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The Jacksonville Jaguars lose 35:16 to the Chicago Bears


The Jacksonville Jaguars lose 35:16 to the Chicago Bears

The Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to London this weekend hoping to bring their season back to life. Instead, they just shoveled more dirt in with a 35-16 loss to the Chicago Bears

The theme of the game was self-inflicted mistakes by the Jaguars. On the first drive of the first half, Gabe Davis dropped a sure touchdown, forcing the Jaguars to settle for a field goal.

Then, after a 24-yard gain on the first play of the second half, Evan Engram fumbled after a tackle by TJ Edwards to put the Bears into Jaguars territory.

Once again, the Jaguars proved to be their worst enemy. It's hard enough to beat your opponent in the NFL. It becomes even more difficult when you also have to beat your own team.

Get the ball out of halftime while the game is within reach? Fumble. Coming back within two points after an excellent drive? The defense collapses. Does the offense need a decisive drive? The interception is carried out.

And perhaps what was craziest about the Jaguars' performance was the fact that they dominated the first quarter before falling behind Chicago.

After allowing one opening touchdown in the last four games, the Jaguars forced a three-and-out by Roy Robertson-Harris after a third sack by Caleb Williams. The defense also remained strong and forced a second three-pointer on the following drive. Ultimately, the Jaguars only allowed seven yards in the first quarter.

After 10 consecutive games without the Jaguars scoring on an opening drive (longest current streak in the NFL), the Jaguars marched on with big throws to Brian Thomas Jr. and Engram and a third-down conversion to Davis Field. Trevor Lawrence started the 4-of-4 drive for 41 yards, leading the Jaguars into Bears territory.

But the Jaguars once again got in their own way; On 3rd-and-1 at the Bears' 18, Walker Little was warned for a false start. However, Lawrence found his rhythm again and kept the drive alive with a 15-yard pass to Christian Kirk.

However, another false start by Davis delayed the drive, and then a Davis drop in the end zone forced the Jaguars to settle for a 30-yard field goal and take a 3-0 lead. The Jaguars scored their first points on the opening drive of the year on their longest drive of the year, but still left some points on the field.

After the Jaguars dominated the first quarter in plays, yards and time of possession, the Bears' offense finally got going after a 12-yard run by D'Andre Swift and a 10-yard scramble by Williams.

Facing in Jaguars territory on third-and-6, the Bears got their first third-down conversion of the game on a 17-yard catch by Roschon Johnson. On the next play, Williams connected with Cole Kmet for a 31-yard touchdown, while Jaguars safety Andre Cisco failed to bring the tight end to the ground after the catch.

Jacksonville got some momentum back with a 41-yard return from budding star Tank Bigsby, but the Jaguars' offense faltered for the second straight game and ended with a three-pointer. A few moments later, Williams found Rome Odunze for 28 yards to take the ball to the 50-yard line.

However, the Jaguars defense made a big play at the perfect time when Andre Cisco intercepted a deep Williams intended for DJ Moore. The Jaguars' offense again ended with a three-pointer, with the Jaguars failing to gain a first down for the second straight game.

The Bears took advantage of the Jaguars' inability to stay on the field, and Williams led a two-minute drive into Jaguars territory before finding Kmet for another touchdown, making the score 14-3 at halftime.

After the Engram fumble, Williams threw his third touchdown of the day with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen to give the Bears a 21-3 lead.

Jacksonville finally reached the end zone midway through the third quarter after Lawrence and the offense put together their best drive of the day. The drive ended with a 21-yard touchdown for Davis, marking his first touchdown with the franchise after signing as a free agent.

The Jaguars' defense appeared to get off the field on the ensuing drive with a third-down sack by Travon Walker, but the sack was negated by a 12-man-on-the-field penalty. On the next play, Ronald Darby was flagged for holding.

Jacksonville then forced another third-down stop, but again Darby was flagged for his interception and the Bears' offense stayed on the field and entered the red zone. Shortly thereafter, Williams found Allen for his fourth passing touchdown of the day, making it 28-10 in the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing drive, Lawrence threw his third interception of the season and the Bears responded with a one-yard touchdown from Swift to make it 35-10. Lawrence eventually found Davis for his second touchdown of the day, making it 35-16, but it was too little, too late.

The Jaguars will now fall to 1-5 and will remain in London to prepare for their Week 7 game against the New England Patriots.

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