The Jacksonville Jaguars had the third-largest comeback in NFL playoff history, overcoming a 27-0 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-30 in the Wild Card round.
The Jacksonville Jaguars looked like a one-and-done team in this year’s NFL playoffs. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence did throw four interceptions in the first two quarters, after all. But, he was facing a Los Angeles Chargers team that has a reputation of blowing big games.
Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened on Saturday night.
The Jaguars trailed 27-0 at halftime after Trevor Lawrence threw four interceptions in the first two quarters. Yet, the Jaguars were able to pick up the 31-30 victory over the Chargers to advance to the Divisional Round. As if this didn’t sting enough for Chargers fans, the Jaguars now have the third-biggest comeback win in NFL playoff history.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the reactions on social media. Chargers fans, you may want to look away.
NFL Twitter eviscerates Chargers after imploding in Wild Card game
Chargers: “we going to the divisional round!”
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) January 15, 2023
Jaguars: pic.twitter.com/RUD8pHzKXf
Still true. pic.twitter.com/0Oz7M4iziR
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 15, 2023
Brandon Staley bout to give Thailand a good look.
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) January 15, 2023
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 15, 2023
Chargers had 27 points with 4:25 left in the first half and finished the game with 30
— Trill Withers (@TylerIAm) January 15, 2023
The Chargers sports brand is now 'the other team from the last game in any sports movie.'
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) January 15, 2023
Chargers are eternal sadness. Unreal.
— Dan Hanzus (@DanHanzus) January 15, 2023
Per Pro Football Reference, the Chargers had better preseason odds to win the Super Bowl than the Bengals, Eagles and Vikings.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) January 15, 2023
LAC just blew a 27-0 lead and lost a playoff game 31-30.
Why did TCU not simply do what the Jaguars did in 2nd half?
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 15, 2023
Largest Comebacks in NFL Postseason History
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 15, 2023
Opponent
1992 Bills 32 Oilers
2013 Colts 28 Chiefs
2022 Jaguars 27 Chargers
2016 Patriots 25 Falcons
It is truly remarkable that Los Angeles forced five turnovers and scored 20 points off of them. Yet, they were only able to put up just three points in the second half, and the Jaguars came back to life and began to pick apart the Chargers defense.
The downfall for the Chargers began late in the second half. With a chance to increase their lead to 33-20, Cameron Dicker missed a 40-yard field goal. The following drive, Jacksonville cut their deficit to 30-28 after a nine-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to wide receiver Christian Kirk.
Los Angeles were then forced to punt on a three-and-out, and Jacksonville never gave them the football back. On fourth-and-one, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson called an impressive play in which three running backs were in the backfield, indicating a potential quarterback sneak. Yet, it turned into a sweep run by Travis Etienne to pick up the first down and set up their game-winning field goal. Riley Patterson’s 36-yard attempt squeaked right in to send the Jaguars to the Divisional Round.
The Jaguars will now wait and see who they will face in the next round. As for the Chargers, they will face the heat after this brutal loss.