Patriots 31, Jaguars 20: Jags' Hopes Bounce Off Dennis Northcutt's Hands

In the first half of this AFC Playoff game, the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to match the New England Patriots score for score. It looked like that might continue In the second half ... until Dennis Northcutt dropped a potential 21-yard touchdown pass that would have tied the game at 21-21.

Instead, the Jaguars settled for a field goal, and it was 21-17. When Tom Brady and Laurence Maroney led the Patriots 76 yards down the field for another touchdown -- their fourth TD in five drives up at that point -- the Pats were up 11 points. They had the Jaguars right where they wanted them. Suddenly, David Garrard had to take more chances, and eventually, the pressure caught up with him. After a near-flawless first half, Garrard completed only 10 of 19 passes in the second half, and a late interception by Rodney Harrison sealed the Jaguars' fate.

Tom Brady brought the awesome once again -- 26 for 28, 262 yards, 3 TDs. (That completion percentage could be a playoff record.) Laurence Maroney also delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for 122 yards and a TD on 22 carries. The Jaguars' insistence on preventing the big play opened up too many opportunities for Maroney to run.

I didn't really want to be right about this result, but guess what? I called it. The Jags couldn't match the scoring pace of the Pats, and their defense couldn't stop the spread formations. It was a very good season for the Jags, but it ends here, and the juggernaut continues.

Now if only we could get Tom Brady to look happy about it. All he ever does on the sidelines is pace and brood. It's as if he takes no joy in any of this. He's become more emo than Will Leitch's bangs. I blame Gisele.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-13-2008 @ 1:25AM

What ever happened to defense? earning your points? said...

What ever happened to defense? earning your points?
When are we going to see a 17-6 game?

1-13-2008 @ 12:11AM

Bill said...

I just witnessed my favorite team, the New England Patriots win yet another exciting game. They deserve the title of the NFL's greatest team of all time. I also saw another team with a lot of heart and probably, in my opinion, the heir apparent to the throne in the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yes, they lost, but they can hold their heads up high. When New England gets tired of dominating the NFL over the next several years, I expect the Jaquars to be the heir apparent. Classsy Coach and classy team! If I weren't already a Pat's fan, I'd be backing this team all the way!

1-13-2008 @ 1:03AM

Steve said...

NoBody Can Stop New England!

1-13-2008 @ 1:04AM

primrod said...

It is certainly a great time to be a Patriots fan. The Jags played a good game and I agree with Bill this Jags team will be one to watch in the future. For now it's the mighty Pats that claim the attention of the masses as they continue to strive for true perfection. Bring on Manning/Sanders or the crybaby Chargers.

1-13-2008 @ 1:26AM

What ever happened to defense? earning your points?
When are we going to see a 17-6 score? this concerns me being a NY jint fan I dont want them to get into a shootout with the Cowgrls

1-13-2008 @ 10:37AM

aaorn W said...

Dennis Northcutt is a joke. I bet he gets cut ASAP!

1-18-2008 @ 4:53PM

GMBUMPER said...

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE,NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE AND THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOOTBALL CONFERENCE. I KNOW THAT IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE BUT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE PHILADELPHIA EAGLE FAN THAT DOES RECOGNIZE GREATNESS.OF COURSE THEY WOULD NEVER HAVE BEATEN THE EAGLES IN THE SUPERBOWL IF THEY DIDN'T CHEAT.JUST ASK THE ROCKET SCIENTIST FROM PHILADELPHIA.YOU KNOW,THE LOSERS THAT WANTED TO HAVE A PARADE FOR SMARTY JONES.

1-13-2008 @ 11:26AM

Gern Wormstead said...

Northcutt had at least 4 drops from what I saw. He shoud be ashamed. I'm not saying they should've won, but c'mon! The commentators let him off the hook for one of his drops when they should've been saying how many he had dropped, and all on really important plays.

1-13-2008 @ 12:25PM

bigcat said...

You have to give both teams credit but the Patriots are just the superior team. I just wish that coaches and players would shut their mouths. Jack Del Rio "we are a team of destiny and the Patriots are in our way". Right, Jack! Rookie Reggie Nelson said about Tom Brady's near perfect game..."anybody could do that!". You know what boys and I stress boys....be humble or get humbled. You got humbled.

1-13-2008 @ 4:41PM

joe wallace said...

Well, the Chargers just beat the Colts, and it didn't matter which team would have won, but they have NO CHANCE against the pats, especially if LT and Rivers are injured. What's great is the fact that I can't wait until some idiot charger opens his mouth this week. It's bound to happen, and it's bound to fire up the Pats. This one will not even be close.