Jacksonville Jaguars Make Playoffs

The Jacksonville Jaguars have secured a place in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Their impressive 45-7 victory over the Houston Texans is a good reward for arguably their best NFL season in a decade.

The Jaguars now look on course to win the AFC South. The week 17 fixture against the Tennessee Titans will go a long way to deciding that.

Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles put in an assured performance on the day. He has thrown seven touchdowns to zero interceptions over his last 3 games.

However, he had his wide receivers to thank for helping him out on Sunday. Jaydon Mickens had 4 catches for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. Keelan Cole had 7 receptions for 186 yards and one touchdown. Both are undrafted rookies. Fourth-round pick Dede Westbrook had two catches for 21 yards.

Marqise Lee left the field with a right ankle injury. He is Jacksonville’s leading wide receiver with 56 catches for 702 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Redemption

The playoff place will be a boost to a Jaguars team who have not performed well in recent years. Since American-Pakistani tycoon Sahid Khan purchased the franchise in 2011, their record is 17-63. During this time, Jacksonville has failed to win more than 5 games in a season. Via ESPN:

“What a feeling,” said Khan. “It’s unbelievable. To win it and win it the way we did today mind-blowing. … I’m always an optimistic guy and certainly whatever I was hoping for, it’s that and more. I think it’s been a long time coming, and I’m so grateful to be here and have the city support us.”

“It’s been a challenge, but it’s so wonderful now to see a young team kind of come through with the veteran leadership, which gives us sustainability and hope for the future,”

The Jaguars are +800 to win the AFC and +1400 to win the Super Bowl.