Wilson falls short with 4th quarter heroics in Jacksonville

Seahawks-Jaguars game takes ugly turn in last minute

After his second interception, Jacksonville Jaguars’ cornerback A.J. Bouye ran to the sideline and started highfiving fans.

Just when it seemed like he was done, he turned around, grabbed a cheerleader’s pompoms and started dancing.

Bouye and the Jaguars had plenty to celebrate.

Blake Bortles threw two perfect passes for touchdowns, Jaydon Mickens set up another major with a 72-yard punt return, and Jacksonville beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-24 on Sunday to claim sole possession of first place in the AFC South and secure the NFL franchise’s first winning season since 2007.

The Jaguars (9-4) intercepted three of Russell Wilson’s passes, including two on deep balls, and won for the sixth time in their last seven games. The latest victory, coupled with Tennessee’s loss at Arizona, moved Jacksonville atop the division. It’s the first time since 2010 the Jaguars have had the outright lead this late in a season.

“We really should have (blown) them out if we’re being real about it,” cornerback Jalen Ramsey said.

The Seahawks (8-5) scored twice on long passes in the fourth quarter, with Wilson finding Paul Richardson for 61 yards and Tyler Lockett for 74 yards. The second one cut the lead to 30-24, and Seattle got a final chance to tie or take the lead. But Wilson misfired on a fourthand-nine play near midfield.

“We had it exactly where we wanted to at the end of the game,” Wilson said. “I don’t know if it can get any better than that. That’s got to be one of the most exciting games you can watch. Shoot man, we should have won. We felt like we should have won.”

Leonard Fournette iced the game with a 13-yard run on a third-and-11 play, which gave him 101 yards on the ground. Jacksonville tried to run out the clock from there, but the Seahawks wouldn’t go quietly.

Seattle defensive tackle Michael Bennett dived at centre Brandon Linder’s knees, setting off a nearmelee. Sheldon Richardson was ejected for throwing a punch, and Fournette went after Bennett.

More pushing and shoving ensued after Bortles’ next kneeldown, and defensive end Quinton Jefferson, who tried to climb into the stands after getting hit with what looked like a plastic bottle, was tossed.

Bortles played one of his best games in four seasons. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 268 yards, with TD passes to rookies Dede Westbrook and Keelen Cole.

Wilson was 17 of 31 for 271 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He was sacked twice, but knocked down way more often.