Jaguars Complete Wild Comeback, Top Cowboys in OT

The Jacksonville Jaguars stayed alive in the AFC playoff race with a shocking Week 15 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The Jags faced a 27-10 third-quarter deficit, fought their way to a 34-34 tie at the end of regulation, and sealed the game on a thrilling 52-yard pick-six to walk away with an improbable 40-34 win. Now at 6-8, they'll cross their fingers and hope for their 7-6 division rival Tennessee Titans to pick up a loss sometime between now and their Week 18 showdown.

How ‘bout them Jags?#DALvsJAX | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/hFyq6xknZZ
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 18, 2022

The Jacksonville Jaguars overcame a slow start to have an explosive day overall on offense. Fellow 2021 first-round picks Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne Jr. carried on the stellar play that made them stars at Clemson. Lawrence netted 311 passing yards and four touchdowns on only 43 dropbacks, and Etienne added 127 yards from scrimmage on 21 touches. The duo combined for three turnovers, but the good vastly outweighed the bad. If the second-year players can clean up their youthful mistakes, they have a bright future in Jacksonville.

As much as Lawrence and Etienne excelled, the true star of the day was defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins. The sixth-year safety had perhaps the game of his life, nabbing two interceptions (including the decisive pick-six) and totalling an astonishing 18 tackles. He'll be a sure contender for AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Looking ahead, the Jaguars will hope to stay alive in the playoff race by besting the 7-7 New York Jets in Week 16. As for the 10-4 Dallas Cowboys, a loss this week doesn't drastically alter their fate. They were a longshot to catch the 13-1 Eagles for the NFC East, and they remain a favorite for the top Wildcard spot. They host the Eagles in Week 16.