Jaguars rally from 21-0 deficit, beat Giants 25-24
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. >> Blake Bortles’ first game-winning drive capped off the largest comeback in franchise history.
Bortles completed four passes and used two keepers to put Jacksonville in field-goal range, and Josh Scobee delivered a 43-yarder that helped the Jaguars beat the Giants 25-24 on Sunday.
The Jaguars (2-10) rallied from a 21-point deficit. They also ended a four-game losing streak and dealt the Giants (3-9) a seventh consecutive loss.
It’s one that could raise more questions about the future of New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin.
The Giants dominated the first half, scoring 21 points in the second quarter and looking like they would notch their first victory since early October.
But Jacksonville played like a different team after the break, especially on defense. Veteran defensive end Chris Clemons may have ignited the turnaround with a fiery tirade on the sideline.
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His teammates certainly responded. Geno Hayes forced Eli Manning to fumble early in the third, and teammate J.T. Thomas recovered in the end zone.
Rookie Aaron Colvin returned Larry Donnell’s fumble 41 yards for a touchdown in the fourth. It was the first time in franchise history that Jacksonville scored two defensive touchdowns in the same game.
Josh Brown’s 33-yard field goal put the Giants ahead 24-22 with 3:26 to play.
But Bortles took over after that, driving the Jags 55 yards while taking all but 28 seconds off the clock. Bortles used identical keepers to hurt the Giants for 11 and 20 yards.
The Giants had one final chance to win, but Manning fumbled on first down. New York managed just 75 yards in the second half.
Injuries were a factor. Right tackle Geoff Schwartz, playing in place of starter Justin Pugh, injured his left ankle and left on a cart. His replacement, James Brewer, also left the game with a concussion. Running back Rashad Jennings also left with an ankle injury.
Jennings, returning to the place where he spent his first four NFL seasons, ran 26 times for 91 yards.
Manning completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, with a touchdown. He was sacked four times. Odell Beckham Jr., a week after his spectacular, one-handed catch against Dallas, caught seven passes for 90 yards.
New York’s defense played its best game in weeks, allowing 258 yards and sacking Bortles seven times.
But the unit faltered down the stretch — a recurring theme for Coughlin this season.
The game was tied at 17 heading into the fourth quarter at Seattle three weeks ago before losing by 21. They trailed 16-10 late in the fourth the following week against San Francisco and had first-and-goal at the 4-yard line before Manning threw an interception in the end zone.
Last week’s loss was equally tough to handle. The Giants took a 28-24 with three minutes remaining, but then allowed an 80-yard touchdown drive.
Coughlin challenged his players to start closing out games.
They responded with another meltdown.
Bortles completed 21 of 35 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. He also ran five times for a team-high 68 yards. His performance capped “Alumni Weekend,” where the Jaguars recognized nearly 50 former players, including retired stars Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, Fred Taylor and Tony Boselli.