NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars defeat Atlanta Falcons At Wembley Stadium In London

The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a crucial victory, beating the Atlanta Falcons 23-7 in front of 85,716 fans on a Sunday afternoon, the first of two back-to-back games in London.

Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen played a crucial role, registering three of the team’s four sacks. This marked his second three-sack game of the season, with one of his sacks leading to a fumble that ended the Falcons’ final drive.

A key moment occurred in the fourth quarter when the Jaguars’ defense made a strong play, forcing the Falcons to turn the ball over on downs at the Jaguars’ 6-yard line with 6:01 left, and Jacksonville was ahead 20-7.

On the offensive side, wide receiver Calvin Ridley, facing his former team, made a significant contribution by scoring a touchdown in the first quarter. Additionally, cornerback Darious Williams intercepted a pass during the second quarter and returned it for a touchdown, helping the Jaguars secure a commanding 17-0 lead. Kicker Brandon McManus added points with successful field goals from 56, 43, and 38 yards.

This win was crucial for the Jaguars (2-2) after consecutive losses in Weeks 2 and 3 against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Houston Texans. In contrast, the Falcons (2-2) suffered their second consecutive defeat.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence played well, completing 23 of 30 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown, without any interceptions. His 30-yard touchdown pass to Ridley gave the Jaguars a seven-point lead, their first lead of that margin since Week 1 against the Colts.

It’s worth noting that Ridley, originally a first-round selection by the Falcons in the 2018 NFL Draft, transitioned to the Jaguars through a trade last November. This game marked Ridley’s first encounter against his former team, during which he contributed with two receptions for a total of 38 yards. Furthermore, wide receiver Christian Kirk played a significant role, accumulating eight receptions for a total of 84 yards.

On the Falcons’ side, quarterback Desmond Ridder completed 19 of 31 passes for a total of 191 yards, securing one touchdown but also suffering two interceptions. Rookie running back Dijon Robinson showcased commendable skill by amassing 105 rushing yards on 14 carries, with a notable 74 yards accrued across six carries during a spirited Falcons’ surge in the third quarter.

The Jaguars’ defense was undoubtedly a highlight, tallying three sacks during Sunday’s game and elevating their season sack count to eight. Outside linebacker Travon Walker secured one sack during the first quarter, with two of Allen’s three sacks occurring during the initial half. Safety Andre Cisco further bolstered the defense with an interception. Notably, defensive lineman Angelo Blackson opportunistically recovered Allen’s late sack-induced fumble, effectively sealing the victory for the Jaguars.

Next on the Jaguars’ agenda is a visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they will face the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.