The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a 35-6 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing for three touchdowns in a dominant performance. However, Lawrence’s decision to slide at the one-yard line instead of scoring a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter became the focal point of postgame discussion.
With the Jaguars leading 28-6 and just under nine minutes remaining, Lawrence executed a designed quarterback keeper on third-and-three. He broke free into the open field before choosing to slide at the goal line, forgoing a potential touchdown. The Patriots, who managed only three points in the first half, did not score again, and Jacksonville’s lead held.
Travis Hunter, the Jaguars’ second-year cornerback and occasional wide receiver, made his first career interception in the second quarter. Hunter, who played exclusively as a cornerback in Week 2 after splitting snaps between offense and defense in 2024, picked off Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the end zone, marking a standout defensive play in the game.
Immediate Aftermath and Reactions
The Jaguars’ win improved their record to 2-0 on the season, while the Patriots fell to 0-2. Despite the lopsided score, Lawrence’s decision to slide at the goal line drew immediate scrutiny from fans and analysts. Some questioned the strategic value of the move, given the Jaguars’ commanding lead and the limited time remaining in the game.
Hunter’s interception, his first in the NFL, was widely celebrated by teammates and fans. The Jaguars’ defense, which limited New England to three points in the first half, continued to perform strongly, contributing to the team’s early-season success.
Jaguars’ Offensive and Defensive Performance
Lawrence completed 20 of 25 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 42 rushing yards. The Jaguars’ offense, which averaged 28.5 points per game in 2024, showed no signs of regression, with the passing game and ground attack both contributing to the blowout win.
Defensively, Jacksonville held the Patriots to 6 points, with Hunter’s interception serving as a highlight. The unit’s ability to stifle New England’s offense, particularly in the red zone, was a key factor in the game’s outcome.
Hunter’s Role and Development
After a disappointing rookie season cut short by injury, Hunter has been utilized primarily as a cornerback in 2025. The Jaguars’ decision to focus on his defensive development appears to be paying off, with Hunter’s interception and strong coverage contributing to the team’s early success. While his role as a two-way player remains a topic of interest, Jacksonville’s coaching staff has emphasized his growth as a defensive back.
The Jaguars, who finished the 2024 season with a 13-4 record and a division title, are positioned as early contenders in the AFC. Their Week 2 performance reinforced their status as a team to watch in the upcoming weeks.
Postgame Perspectives
Coach Doug Pederson declined to address Lawrence’s decision in detail after the game, stating that the team was focused on the win. "We’re happy with the result, and we’ll review the tape to see what we can learn from it," Pederson said.
Hunter, meanwhile, expressed excitement about his first interception, calling it a "dream come true." "It feels great to finally get one," he said. "I’m just looking forward to building on this and helping the team win games."