Chargers blow 27-point lead, Jaguars advance in AFC playoffs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Regardless of constructing a 27-0 first-half lead, the Los Angeles Chargers noticed their postseason disintegrate within the second half because the Jacksonville Jaguars stormed again for a 31-30 victory on Saturday evening.

It was the third-largest comeback in playoff historical past. The Jaguars now advance to the AFC divisional spherical after their first playoff win since 2017.

Jacksonville Jaguars

There are many methods to explain the Jaguars’ efficiency of their wild-card win over the Chargers at TIAA Financial institution Area, however ridiculous just about covers it.

What different technique to describe Trevor Lawrence throwing 4 interceptions within the first half — together with three within the first quarter — after which the Jaguars rallying from a 27-0 deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers on Riley Patterson’s last-second 36-yard subject purpose?

It was so dangerous within the first half, and nothing summed up simply how poorly the Jaguars performed than a punt bouncing off Chris Claybrooks’ helmet that the Chargers recovered and become a subject purpose and a 27-0 lead with 5 minutes remaining within the first half. Nothing went proper for the Jaguars within the first half-hour.

That was the Jaguars’ fifth turnover of the half, and it put the Jaguars into too huge of a gap to beat, although they made a surge within the second half to chop the Chargers’ result in three factors with 5:25 to play.

The final time a staff turned the ball over 5 instances within the first half of a playoff recreation was the Miami Dolphins within the 1999 divisional playoffs — towards the Jaguars on this similar subject. The Jaguars gained that recreation 62-7 and despatched Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino into retirement.

In the meantime, the Chargers rolled up 180 yards and Justin Herbert accomplished 15-of-24 passes for 139 yards within the first half. They acquired brief subject on two of Trevor Lawrence’s 4 interceptions, however the Jaguars managed to stress Herbert on solely 4 of his dropbacks.

Now the Jaguars, who’ve gained seven video games in a row, will await the result of Sunday’s video games to seek out out in the event that they’re headed to Kansas Metropolis.

QB breakdown: Lawrence performed the worst half of soccer of his NFL or faculty profession within the first half. His first go was intercepted and he would go on to throw three extra within the first half, which made him the third quarterback within the Tremendous Bowl period to throw 4 interceptions within the first half of a playoff recreation (Gary Danielson and Craig Morton had been the others). Lawrence turned the primary quarterback within the Tremendous Bowl period to throw three interceptions within the first quarter of a playoff recreation, and at factors within the first half had passer scores of 0.0 and 0.6.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: The Jaguars ought to have been capable of assault the Chargers protection on the perimeter within the run recreation — they had been final within the NFL in permitting 9.3 yards per carry exterior the tackles — with operating again Travis Etienne, who averaged an NFL-best 8.3 yards per carry exterior the tackles. However that went out the window with the large deficit, although the Jaguars did try to run the ball between the tackles sometimes within the second half whereas going hurry-up offense.

Silver lining: The Jaguars offense completed Tenth in yards and factors per recreation in 2022, and there is optimism issues could possibly be even higher subsequent season with the arrival of receiver Calvin Ridley, particularly if the staff re-signs tight finish Evan Engram. The Jaguars traded for Ridley in November and if he is cleared from his suspension for playing in February then he can be a part of the staff when the offseason program begins in April. Ridley will give the Jaguars a No. 1 receiver to pair with Christian Kirk, who is without doubt one of the league’s higher slot receivers, and Zay Jones.

Los Angeles Chargers

Forward of the Chargers’ first playoff look in 4 years, questions swirled in regards to the job safety of second-year coach Brandon Staley.

These questions possible will not be disappearing after a complete meltdown towards the Jaguars.

L.A. acquired off to a promising begin, with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. grabbing three of 4 interceptions Lawrence threw within the first half and operating again Austin Ekeler transformed two of these takeaways into touchdowns, shortly silencing an amped TIAA Financial institution Area crowd, and taking a 27-7 lead into halftime.

However, behind Tremendous Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson, the fourth-seeded Jaguars adjusted popping out of the break and went on a 24-3 scoring run, sending the fifth-seeded Bolts into the offseason, the place many questions — about Staley, Tenth-year basic supervisor Tom Telesco, and the path of the franchise — await.

Two halves: The Chargers went on a 27-0 run within the first half, powered by 5 turnovers — together with 4 interceptions and the restoration of a muffed punt. However the Jaguars responded with a run of their very own, scoring a landing to shut out the primary half after which including on 24 extra for a historic comeback.

QB breakdown: After warmups, the 24-year-old Herbert jogged off the sphere and pumped his fist towards screaming Chargers followers, giving each indication he was able to make his first NFL postseason begin. Herbert, with out star broad receiver Mike Williams who was dominated out Friday due to a small nonsurgical fracture in his again, performed an almost flawless first half. He led 5 scoring drives to transform every takeaway.

Within the second half, Herbert — with out Williams after which additionally DeAndre Carter, who left the sport due to an ankle damage — was unable to develop a constant rhythm.

He completed 25 of 43 for 273 yards and one landing.

Stat that issues: The Chargers held a lead on each offensive play within the second half and misplaced.