Jaguars Keep Belt With 22-17 Win Over Bengals in Cincinnati
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 3 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 22 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
The Jacksonville Jaguars successfully defended their lineal championship belt with a 22-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Jacksonville built a 13-3 halftime lead behind efficient quarterback play from Trevor Lawrence, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown, and a 7-yard scoring strike to Brian Thomas Jr. late in the second quarter. Cam Little provided crucial points with three field goals, including kicks from 55 and 54 yards.
Cincinnati mounted a furious comeback in the second half despite a slow start that saw them scoreless in the first quarter. Joe Burrow threw for 428 yards on 39 of 54 passing with a 15-yard touchdown to Mike Gesicki, but his two interceptions proved costly. The Bengals added a 25-yard rushing touchdown from Chris Rodriguez Jr. and a 1-yard scoring plunge from Burrow in the fourth quarter, but fell short after a failed two-point conversion attempt.
Tee Higgins led all receivers with 11 catches for 157 yards, while Brenton Strange paced Jacksonville with 95 receiving yards on seven catches. Bhayshul Tuten's 73 rushing yards on 17 carries helped the Jaguars control the clock and preserve their belt-holder status.
Leaders
| Joe BurrowCincinnati Bengals | Passing Yards | 39/54, 428 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT |
| Chase BrownCincinnati Bengals | Rushing Yards | 9 CAR, 10 YDS |
| Tee HigginsCincinnati Bengals | Receiving Yards | 11 REC, 157 YDS |
| Dexter Lawrence IICincinnati Bengals | Sacks | 1 |
| Barrett CarterCincinnati Bengals | Tackles | 11 |
| Trevor LawrenceJacksonville Jaguars | Passing Yards | 18/23, 227 YDS, 1 TD |
| Bhayshul TutenJacksonville Jaguars | Rushing Yards | 17 CAR, 73 YDS |
| Brenton StrangeJacksonville Jaguars | Receiving Yards | 7 REC, 95 YDS |
| Arik ArmsteadJacksonville Jaguars | Sacks | 1 |
| Rayuan Lane IIIJacksonville Jaguars | Tackles | 8 |
Written by Claude from ESPN's box score for this game.