JACKSONVILLE, FL - Six days after their heartbreaking 20-19 loss to the New York Jets in the AFC Wild Card round, the Jacksonville Jaguars gathered one last time at EverBank Stadium for locker room cleanout day and final media availability. Despite a valiant effort and a 405-yard performance from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars fell just short of advancing, ending a season filled with ups, downs, and promise.
"You work your whole year to be in games like that," said Lawrence. "We gave it everything. I did everything I could. But sometimes the game doesn't love you back."
The Jaguars held a 13-3 lead late in the third quarter and looked to be in control before a costly interception and a string of field goals instead of touchdowns allowed the Jets to claw back. The defense played hard, but they couldn't stop New York’s game-winning drive in the final two minutes, culminating in a 32-yard field goal as time expired.
Wide receiver standout Brian Thomas Jr. spoke about the sting of the loss but remained optimistic. "We were right there," said Thomas Jr., who posted 183 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss. "We fought all the way, and I think that speaks to who we are. We're close. Real close."
The offseason now presents difficult decisions. Veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller, safety Deshon Elliott, and linebacker Malcolm Roach are all on expiring contracts, and their futures with the franchise remain uncertain.
"I'd love to stay," said Fuller. "We've built something here. But that's above my pay grade. All I can do is be ready."
Head coach Doug Pederson echoed the bittersweet tone, praising his team's growth. "We took a step forward this year. This group never folded. There's something special in this locker room, and I think it's only going to grow."
