Even Lions can’t blow this one

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An elusive touchdown pass, a breakout performance, a defensive rebound and a reprieve for their coach. This was a victory the Lions probably needed more than they would admit. It even might serve as a turning point for the season.

Rookie D’Andre Swift ran for a careerhigh 116 yards and two touchdowns, Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass against the only team he hadn’t thrown one against in 12 NFL seasons and the Lions returned from their bye week to hammer the hapless Jaguars 34-16 on Sunday.

‘‘I thought our guys handled the last two weeks really well, ignored everything and just went out and played aggressive,’’ said Lions coach Matt Patricia, who won for only the third time in his last 18 games.

The Lions (2-3) made this one look easy. That was somewhat surprising, considering they had lost six consecutive games in which they led by double digits. They already have done it three times this season.

It surely helped that this one came against the reeling Jaguars (1-5), who lost their fifth game in a row and have allowed at least 30 points in each of them. It’s the first time in franchise history the Jaguars have done that, seemingly putting the jobs of coach Doug Marrone and defensive coordinator Todd Wash in more jeopardy.

‘‘I’m not going to be one of those guys to say that’s not something that can happen,’’ Marrone said. ‘‘We see what happens around the league. I acknowledge that.’’

Patricia, meanwhile, can breathe easy for at least a week after tempering speculation about his future with the Lions.

‘‘Our job is to go out there and play, not to pay attention to all the other stuff going on,’’ Stafford said. ‘‘We don’t live in a bubble — not yet at least. All of that stuff is apparent and around and whatever, but it’s our job to play at a high level.’’

Stafford completed 19 of 31 passes for 223 yards and had a one-yard touchdown toss to tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Kenny Golladay finished with four receptions for 105 yards. It was the first time since 2013 the Lions had a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver in the same game.