Jags Fall to Commanders 28-22 in Season Opener

The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off its much anticipated 2022 season on Sunday with a loss to the Washington Commanders 28-22.

First Half Struggles

The Jags put together a decent first drive of the season going 60 yards down the field and kicking a 33-yard field goal to jump out to an early 3-0 lead.

Unfortunately, that’s all they had to show in the first half. After the first drive field goal, Jacksonville punted on back-to-back possessions, turned the ball over on downs and missed a field goal to end the half.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence ended the half going 12-24 and no touchdowns. His former Clemson teammate, Travis Etienne, dropped a wide-open touchdown that could have changed the course of the game in the second quarter, as well.

….Etienne with a huge drop pic.twitter.com/yXlAqXtKU0

— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) September 11, 2022

The Commanders were solid in their first half of play as they jumped out to a quick 14-3 lead. They scored on their first two possessions but had a turnover towards the end of the second quarter, keeping them from potentially extending their lead.

Second Half Thriller

The Jags came out with flying fists scoring 19 unanswered points to take a 22-14 lead. Two field goals and a rushing and receiving touchdown from James Robinson gave Jacksonville the advantage.

The Jaguars defense also recorded two interceptions in the half.

A thing of beauty!@tysoncampbell_ jumps the route for his first pick of the year.#JAXvsWAS on FOX pic.twitter.com/FvEEc625RM

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 11, 2022

After Jacksonville’s last touchdown, the Commanders fought back with Wentz throwing a 49-yard bomb to Terry McLaurin to cut the lead down to 24-22.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1569051995385782272?s=20&t=Qhdhmg4baQHDAn9bvC–Rg

With the Jags unable to score on their next possession, Wentz and the Commanders went on a 13-play, 90-yard drive, capping it off with a touchdown from first-round draft pick, Jahan Dotson.

However, the Jags still had 1:46 remaining to take the lead. But Lawrence wasn’t able to lead a game-winning drive as the Jags suffered their first loss of the season.

https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1569056393914720257?s=20&t=Qhdhmg4baQHDAn9bvC–Rg

Game Takeaways

The Jags defense, despite giving up four touchdowns, proved to be something to worry about causing three turnovers.

No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker had an impressive performance in his first NFL game with one sack, an interception and four tackles.

"A player like me… they drafted #1… is supposed to make plays like that"

– @44Ytw on his regular season debut pic.twitter.com/YxuAjINPXj

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 11, 2022

A Look Ahead

Both teams will be back in action next week as the Jaguars host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Washington will look to go 2-0 as they travel to Detroit to take on the Lions.