Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars Defeat Bengals, 23-7

The Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals was an eventful game to say the least. Two star players were ejected, there was a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown, and the Jaguars’ key running back was sitting on the bench. However, this win over the Bengals was the first time Jacksonville has won consecutive games in 13 months. The Jaguars are now 5-3 on their season and are tied for first in the AFC South.

The Jaguars Performance

Jacksonville’s running back Leonard Fournette was announced inactive before Sunday’s game against Cincinnati after violating a team rule. The team would have to step up their performance with his absence if they wanted to win. Quarterback Blake Bortles stepped up, throwing for 259 yards, with 24 completions and a touchdown. Bortles feels good about the Jaguars’ performance.

Other key players in Jacksonville’s victory were Marqise Lee and Jaydon Mickens. Lee had his first touchdown of the season in the second quarter giving the Jaguars their first touchdown of the game. Lee ended up with 8 receptions and 75 yards.

In the last quarter of the game, Mickens dodged defenders as he ran across the field returning a 63-yard punt for a touchdown. This touchdown gave the Jaguars a solid lead over the Bengals that helped seal the win.

The Fight

The most talked about action of the game was a fight that ensued between Bengal wide receiver A.J. Green and Jaguar defensive back Jalen Ramsey. After a push from Ramsey, Green retaliated by putting Ramsey in a choke hold and then body slamming him to the ground. Green then proceeded to punch Ramsey in the helmet multiple times. The aggressive fight resulted in players running from the sidelines to join in. Both Ramsey and Green were then ejected from the game just before halftime.

Jacksonville head coach Doug Marrone says he didn’t see a lot of the fight from the opposite sideline.

Next Up

The Jaguars will be back at home next Sunday to host the Los Angeles Chargers, who are currently 3-5 on the season.

About Sydney Jones

Sydney is a senior studying telecommunications with a specialization in sports media at the University of Florida. She is a multimedia sports reporter for ESPN 98.1 FM/850 AM WRUF and WUFT-TV.

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