Jaguars falter in Miami, lose 20-17 after late fumble
- The Jaguars led 17-7 at halftime but lost momentum in the second half.
- Travis Etienne's fumble near the goal line allowed Miami to recover and score quickly.
- Miami's late field goal secured their comeback victory, leaving Jacksonville disappointed.
In a closely contested game on Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Jaguars entered the second half with a 17-7 lead, having made significant plays in the first half, including a field goal by Cam Little just before halftime. However, the momentum shifted dramatically late in the third quarter when running back Travis Etienne fumbled the ball just shy of the goal line, allowing Miami to recover in the end zone. This critical mistake opened the door for the Dolphins to mount a comeback. Following the fumble, Miami quickly capitalized on the opportunity, with Tyreek Hill scoring an 80-yard touchdown reception on the very next play. This play energized the Dolphins and their fans, turning the tide of the game. The Jaguars, who had been in control, found themselves struggling to regain their earlier dominance. The Dolphins' defense, led by Jevon Holland, played a pivotal role in the turnaround, showcasing their ability to seize crucial moments. As the game progressed, Miami's Jason Sanders kicked a 52-yard field goal as time expired, securing a 20-17 victory for the Dolphins. This marked a disappointing start for the Jaguars, who had high hopes for the season. Jaguars coach Doug Pedersen acknowledged the stark contrast between the two halves, emphasizing the need for his team to learn from their mistakes. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence expressed his frustration, noting the importance of not giving away games, especially against strong opponents. The Jaguars will need to regroup and address their errors as they move forward in the season, aiming to build on their potential while avoiding similar pitfalls in future games.