In about-face, Jags sink Fins
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Quarterback Blake Bortles spoke in matter-of-fact tones. Receiver Allen Robinson was equally subdued. Even rookie kicker Jason Myers had a ho-hum attitude.
“From our point of view, we expected this outcome,” Bortles said.
The rest of the NFL, especially Miami, was surely more surprised by Jacksonville’s 23-20 victory over the Dolphins yesterday. The Jaguars will roll into Foxboro next week at 1-1 to play the Patriots.
Robinson was unstoppable early. Bortles and Jacksonville’s defense came up big late. And Myers delivered his first clutch kick, a 28-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining that turned out to be the winner.
The play the Dolphins (11) will remember came after the whistle.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the closing minutes, a 15-yard penalty that turned what would have been a long field goal into a Myers chip shot.
“It was just a dumb play by me,” Vernon said. “That was it. We lost. It’s over with man. They played better ball than us. I take full responsibilities for my actions, on to the next week.”
The Jaguars took a similar approach after the season opener, a 20-9 debacle at home to Carolina. Bortles threw two interceptions and was sacked five times. Robinson dropped a key, thirddown pass. Myers missed a field goal and an extra point.
All three looked like different guys in Week 2.
Bortles completed 18-of33 passes for 273 yards, with two touchdowns, no turnovers and no sacks. Robinson caught six passes for a career-high 155 yards and two scores. And Myers was perfect, including a 58-yarder at the end of the first half.
“Maybe nerves got to me last week; I kind of rushed stuff,” said Myers, who beat out veteran Josh Scobee in the preseason. “I was ready to roll this week and show my teammates and coaching staff that’s not what I am and this is what I am.”
Jacksonville’s defense did its part, too. After allowing a game-tying, 80-yard touchdown drive to open the second half, the unit forced five consecutive punts. After the last one, Bortles took over. He completed passes of 18, 19 and 9 yards to get the Jags into field goal range.
Vernon’s penalty for shoving tight end Clay Harbor after the play put Jacksonville at the 19-yard line and needing a couple of mistakefree plays and a fairly routine kick. Myers delivered the chip shot, which helped Jacksonville avoid a fourth consecutive 0-2 start.
Miami had one final chance, but with no timeouts and lots of ground to cover, the Dolphins didn’t even mount a threat.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was 30-of-44 for 359 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough. Lamar Miller ran 10 times for 14 yards before leaving with a sprained ankle.