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Jaguars miss playoffs, concede AFC South to Texans with loss
The Houston Texans clinched the AFC South title following the Jacksonville Jaguars’ loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, causing them to miss out on the playoffs.
Despite the Jaguars mounting a late comeback effort, rallying from a 15-point deficit early in the third quarter, they ultimately fell short and suffered their fifth defeat in the last six games.
In the fourth quarter, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown, narrowing the deficit to eight points. The defense then intercepted Titans passer Ryan Tannehill, setting up the offense just outside the red zone.
However, Lawrence’s attempt to score on a fourth-and-goal sneak fell inches short as he tried to reach over and break the plane. This failed attempt sealed the Jaguars’ fate and allowed the Houston Texans to secure the AFC South title.
With a little over two minutes left, the Jaguars recovered the ball, but they lost again on fourth down.
The Houston Texans secured a vital win in a do-or-die game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, notching their 10th victory of the season and clinching at least a wild-card spot. This win completed an impressive one-year turnaround for the Texans, who finished last in the AFC South the previous season with a 3-13-1 record. The resurgence was led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans.
However, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a chance to secure a postseason berth and win the division crown if they had defeated the Tennessee Titans. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, their loss in that crucial game not only dashed their playoff hopes but also guaranteed playoff berths for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who triumphed over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, and the Buffalo Bills, who were set to face the Miami Dolphins in an AFC East title decider on Sunday night.
The Houston Texans’ division crown marks a remarkable turnaround, while the Jaguars, under head coach Doug Pederson, miss the playoffs after winning the division the previous season.
