The article was written by Mark Long, a writer for the Associated Press who covers professional football.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a historic performance, leading up to a crucial final game that will determine their chances of making it to the playoffs.

Travis Etienne found the end zone twice, with one of his touchdowns being the longest run he has ever made in his professional career. This helped the Jaguars break their four-game losing streak and secure a 26-0 victory over the struggling Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The Jaguars, with a record of 9-7, achieved their first victory in December. This game also saw quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, as they prepare for their upcoming crucial match against division rival Tennessee to determine the winner of the AFC South.

The Panthers (2-14) suffered their ninth consecutive road loss and failed to score for the first time since their Week 12 defeat against Atlanta in 2002. Owner David Tepper was seen throwing a beverage into the stands towards the end of the game, while general manager Scott Fitterer stood nearby.

If Jacksonville wins next weekend, they will secure the division title. However, if they lose to the Titans, the winner of the Houston-Indianapolis game will claim the AFC South.

“I believe our team excels in these types of scenarios, and that’s acceptable,” stated Coach Doug Pederson of the Jaguars.

In a potentially crucial game, Etienne was among three Jaguars players who achieved career milestones. He is now the first player for the franchise since 2009 to have 10 or more rushing touchdowns in a single season, following in the footsteps of Maurice Jones-Drew.

Evan Engram joined the ranks of elite NFL tight ends by recording 100 receptions in a single regular season, making him the eighth player in history to do so. In his final game, Engram made six catches for 60 yards, bringing his total for the season to 104.

He became a part of the list that includes Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City in 2004, Dallas Clark from Indianapolis in 2009, Jason Witten from Dallas in 2012, Zach Ertz from Philadelphia in 2018, Darren Waller from Las Vegas in 2020, Mark Andrews from Baltimore in 2021, and Travis Kelce from Kansas City in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Josh Allen broke the team record for most sacks in a single season, achieving two in the first half and a total of three in the game, making it the ninth shutout in Jaguars’ history. His second sack of Bryce Young put him above the previous record of 14 ½, which was held by Calais Campbell in 2017.

Allen, assisted by teammate Travon Walker, paid tribute to Campbell in his celebration. Allen mimicked Campbell’s sack celebration by pretending to swing a baseball bat.

Allen shared that he received a message from someone saying, “Go break the record.” The person also mentioned that records are meant to be broken and they are excited for someone to surpass his record. He expressed his excitement about being a part of history.

I am a traditional person who values leaving a lasting impact. This is a major achievement for me, my team, and my family.

Allen currently holds 44 career sacks, which is 11 sacks away from the franchise record set by Tony Brackens from 1996-2003.

Lawrence was able to witness all the festivities from the front row. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in the game due to a sprained throwing shoulder, breaking his streak of 51 consecutive starts.

C.J. Beathard had a successful game, completing 17 out of 24 passes for 178 yards in his first start since 2020. He also did not have any turnovers, which is uncommon for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They had 10 turnovers during their previous losing streak.

Etienne gained a total of 102 yards on the field, with 62 yards resulting in a touchdown in the beginning of the third quarter.

Bryce Young threw 19 completions out of 32 attempts for a total of 112 yards, but also had one interception. Additionally, he was sacked a total of six times.

“Yeah, it’s definitely not enjoyable. It’s ultimately our responsibility. It’s a reflection of our efforts and actions. We take ownership and acknowledge it. It is what it is, but it’s certainly not a pleasant experience.”

CARTED OFF

Marquis Haynes, a sixth-year player for the Panthers who hails from Jacksonville, was transported off the field in the third quarter due to a concussion. He was then brought to a hospital for additional evaluation and will not be accompanying the team on their flight back home.

Haynes gave a thumbs-up to the spectators as he exited the stadium.

KICKER-LESS PANTHERS

Eddy Pineiro, the kicker for the Panthers, sustained an injury to his right hamstring during pregame warmups and was unable to participate in the game.

Kamu Grugier-Hill, the starting linebacker for Carolina, was responsible for kickoffs. However, interim coach Chris Tabor did not have Grugier-Hill try a 39-yard field goal during the team’s first drive. Instead, Tabor chose to keep the offense on the field for a fourth-and-7 play, resulting in a sack on quarterback Young.

KEY INJURIES

The Panthers’ Cade Mays, who injured his finger, was not able to play in the second half. Brian Burns, the pass rusher, and Frankie Luvu, the linebacker, both returned to the game after missing some plays due to a knee injury and a bloody nose respectively. Donte Jackson, the cornerback, underwent a concussion evaluation during the first half but was later cleared to continue playing.

The Jaguars’ wide receiver, Jamal Agnew, hurt his left ankle while making a 48-yard catch during the second quarter. He was unable to play in the second half due to the injury.

UP NEXT

The last game of the season for the Panthers will take place at home against Tampa Bay next weekend.

The Jaguars will face off against Tennessee next weekend in a crucial game with playoff implications.

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Source: wralsportsfan.com