The Jacksonville Jaguars are in London for their two-week football stint, kicking off against the Chicago Bears on Sunday morning. The game begins at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After a rough start to the season with a 1-4 record, the Jaguars broke their losing streak last week, thanks in part to a standout performance from quarterback Trevor Lawrence against the Indianapolis Colts, where he achieved a career-high in passing yards. In that game, the Jaguars made three plays over 60 yards, a rare feat for the franchise.
The Jaguars face the Bears, who enter the matchup with a 3-2 record following a decisive victory over the Carolina Panthers last week. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall draft pick, has connections to Jacksonville through training sessions in the area.
In the game, despite a sluggish start, the Jaguars showed signs of life after falling behind 21-3 in the third quarter. Lawrence connected with Gabe Davis for a touchdown, narrowing the score to 21-10. However, the Jaguars were unable to capitalize on their momentum.
The Jaguars’ struggles continued as they ultimately lost to the Bears, with a final score of 35-16, dropping their record to 1-5. This loss follows a series of disappointing performances and sets up another challenge next week against the New England Patriots in London.
Cairo Santos, a graduate of St. Joseph Academy, had a field goal attempt blocked by the Jaguars as the Bears further extended their lead. The game was marked by missed opportunities for the Jaguars, including a series of failed drives that left fans frustrated on social media.
Injury concerns also plagued the Jaguars, as running back Travis Etienne suffered a hamstring injury during the game, adding to their woes. Defensive backs Jarrian Jones and Darnell Savage were removed from the game for concussion evaluations shortly after the game resumed.
The Jaguars’ difficulties stem from a shaky pass defense and execution issues, particularly on crucial plays. With a daunting task ahead, they will need to regroup and address these issues promptly as they prepare for their next game.