All Jack’d up on defense for Jags

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Jacksonville Jaguars are riding their defense once again, and hope it takes them beyond the AFC title game.

Linebacker Myles Jack scored on a 32-yard interception return early in the fourth quarter and the Jaguars spoiled the New York Giants debuts of coach Pat Shurmur and second-overall draft pick Saquon Barkley, and the return of Odell Beckham Jr. with a 20-15 win yesterday.

The Jags, who host the Patriots next Sunday, showed no slippage on defense — with the exception of a spectacular 65-yard run by Barkley. They had two sacks, six quarterback pressures, eight tackles for losses, stopped a 2-point conversion run by Barkley and didn’t give up the lead late, stopping a New York drive with 1:55 to play.

A year ago, the Jaguars blew a 10-point, fourthquarter lead to the Patriots in the conference championship.

“We feel we’re so talented on defense,” said Jack, who scored on a pass deflected by backup nose tackle Abry Jones and finished with a game-high 10 tackles. “We’ve got DBs that can score, linebackers can score. Even D-linemen who can strip sack fumbles and score. We don’t put any pressure on the offense. If the offense scores, it puts even more onus on us. We try to create points.”

The Jags’ offense did just enough playing without top running back Leonard Fournette (hamstring) most of the game.

Blake Bortles, who was 18-of-33 for 176 yards, threw a short touchdown pass and led two other first-half field goal drives.

The Jaguars gained 310 yards in total offense and didn’t score as a unit in the second half. The team had 11 penalties for 119 yards.

“Our defense bailed us out and played pretty well,” Bortles said. “For us to find a way to win is a good start.”

For the Giants, Beckham finished with 11 catches.