In a thrilling Week 15 clash on December 15, 2024, at EverBank Stadium, the New York Jets rallied to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 32-25, snapping a four-game losing streak. This high-scoring affair, marked by a dynamic second-half performance from Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, showcased the Jets’ offensive potential and resilience against a scrappy Jaguars squad. With both teams at 3-10 entering the game, the matchup was a battle for pride and draft positioning, but the Jets’ late-game heroics, capped by a crucial interception from Sauce Gardner, secured the victory. Below is a unique analysis of the player stats, converting table data into narrative form with small tables to highlight key performers.
New York Jets vs Jacksonville Jaguars Match Player Stats
- Sport: American Football (NFL)
- Date: December 15, 2024
- Week: 15 of the 2024 NFL Season
- League: National Football League (AFC East vs AFC South)
- Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
- Broadcast: FOX at 1:00 PM ET
- Teams: New York Jets (Visitor) Jacksonville Jaguars (Home)
- Final Score: New York Jets 32, Jacksonville Jaguars 25
Game Context: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption
The December 15, 2024, game, broadcast on FOX at 1:00 PM ET, drew 63,251 fans to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. The Jets, reeling from a 32-26 overtime loss to Miami the previous week, aimed to capitalize on their offensive momentum, having cleared 400 yards in that game. The Jaguars, fresh off a 10-6 win over Tennessee to end a five-game skid, sought their first back-to-back wins in 13 months with backup quarterback Mac Jones filling in for the injured Trevor Lawrence. The game was a seesaw battle, with the Jets’ second-half explosion and defensive stand proving decisive. This analysis dives into verified player stats, offering a narrative perspective on the performances that shaped the outcome.
New York Jets: Rodgers and Adams Turn Back the Clock
The Jets’ offense erupted for 400-plus yards for the second straight week, driven by a vintage performance from Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Rodgers completed 16 of 30 passes for 289 yards, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions, though he was sacked twice. His 71-yard touchdown pass to Adams with 3:24 remaining and a 41-yard strike that set up Breece Hall’s game-winning 1-yard plunge were pivotal. Rodgers also led the team with 45 rushing yards, showcasing his mobility at 41 years old.
Davante Adams was the star, catching nine of 12 targets for 198 yards and two touchdowns, all in the second half. His 1-yard fade route in the third quarter marked his 100th career touchdown, making him the 12th player in NFL history to reach that milestone, followed by the 71-yard score that gave the Jets a 25-22 lead after a successful two-point conversion. Garrett Wilson added five receptions for 61 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown in the first quarter that tied the game at 7-7. Allen Lazard caught two passes for 29 yards but dropped a key third-down pass, while tight end Jeremy Ruckert had one catch for 12 yards.
Breece Hall, returning from a knee injury, rushed 10 times for 28 yards and scored the game-winning 1-yard touchdown with 1:05 left. Rookie Braelon Allen contributed seven carries for 31 yards, and Isaiah Davis added three carries for 12 yards. Kicker Anders Carlson was 1-for-2 on field goals, making a 43-yarder but missing a 48-yard attempt in the fourth quarter that kept the game close.
Defensively, Sauce Gardner sealed the win with his first interception of the season, picking off Jones with 44 seconds remaining. Jalen Mills also intercepted Jones in the first quarter, setting up a scoring chance. Haason Reddick and Jeremiah Ledbetter each recorded a sack, with Ledbetter’s 14-yard sack in the third quarter forcing a Jets field goal. The Jets’ defense, ranked fourth in total and passing yards allowed, held firm despite Jacksonville’s 294 passing yards.
Jets Key Performers
| Player | YDS | TD | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | 289 (Pass) | 3 | 16/30, 45 Rush Yds, 71-Yd TD |
| Davante Adams | 198 (Rec) | 2 | 9/12 Targets, 71-Yd & 1-Yd TDs |
| Breece Hall | 28 (Rush) | 1 | 10 Carries, 1-Yd Game-Winner |
The Jets’ offense thrived on Rodgers’ precision (53.3% completion) and Adams’ explosiveness, totaling 395 yards (289 passing, 106 rushing). Their plus-2 turnover margin, thanks to Gardner and Mills’ interceptions, was crucial. The defense’s ability to limit Jacksonville’s run game (78 yards) and secure late stops overcame Jones’ efficient passing.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jones and Thomas Jr. Keep It Close
The Jaguars’ offense, led by Mac Jones, showed fight despite the loss. Jones completed 31 of 46 passes for 294 yards, throwing two touchdowns to rookie Brian Thomas Jr. but also two interceptions, including a late desperation toss picked off by Gardner. His 86.1% completion rate was impressive, but the interceptions and two sacks, including one by Reddick, stalled drives. Jones also rushed twice for 6 yards, taunting Reddick after a first-down scramble.
Thomas Jr. had a breakout game, catching 10 of 12 targets for 105 yards and two touchdowns—a 3-yard score on the opening drive and a 19-yard crossing route in the fourth that gave Jacksonville a 22-17 lead. Brenton Strange was a reliable target, hauling in 11 of 13 targets for 73 yards. Parker Washington caught three passes for 29 yards, but his two-point conversion attempt failed. Travis Etienne Jr. led the ground game with 14 carries for 53 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, while Tank Bigsby added four carries for 25 yards.
Kicker Cam Little was perfect, making all four field goals (28, 23, 43, and 43 yards), tying the game at 25-25 with 1:56 remaining. Defensively, Jeremiah Ledbetter’s third-quarter sack and backflip celebration stood out, while Montaric Brown drew a 30-yard defensive pass interference penalty that aided the Jets. The Jaguars’ defense, ranked last in total yards allowed, struggled to contain Rodgers and Adams, particularly in the second half.
Jaguars Key Performers
| Player | YDS | TD | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Jones | 294 (Pass) | 2 | 31/46, 2 INT, 2 TDs to Thomas |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | 105 (Rec) | 2 | 10/12 Targets, 3-Yd & 19-Yd TDs |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | 53 (Rush) | 0 | 14 Carries, 3.8 YPC |
Jacksonville’s offense totaled 372 yards (294 passing, 78 rushing), with Jones’ efficiency and Thomas Jr.’s record-breaking performance (surpassing Justin Blackmon’s 865-yard rookie record) keeping them competitive. Their 18 first downs and 21:08 time of possession in the first half showed control, but two turnovers and a weak run defense (106 yards allowed) proved costly.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The Jets’ 395 total yards edged Jacksonville’s 372, with Rodgers’ 289 passing yards and three touchdowns outshining Jones’ 294 yards but two interceptions. Adams’ 198 receiving yards dwarfed Thomas Jr.’s 105, though Thomas’ two scores kept the Jaguars close. The Jets’ 106 rushing yards topped Jacksonville’s 78, with Hall’s game-winner proving decisive. Defensively, the Jets’ two interceptions and two sacks outperformed Jacksonville’s one sack, with Gardner’s late pick sealing the 32-25 win. Both teams were penalized heavily (Jets: 6 for 45 yards; Jaguars: 8 for 67), but the Jets’ plus-2 turnover margin was the difference.
Defining Moments
Jacksonville struck first with Thomas Jr.’s 3-yard touchdown on a 13-play, 70-yard opening drive, but the Jets answered with Wilson’s 22-yard touchdown. A fake punt by Ashtyn Davis, gaining 21 yards, set up the score. Little’s 28- and 23-yard field goals gave Jacksonville a 13-7 halftime lead, with an 18-6 edge in first downs. Rodgers’ 1-yard touchdown to Adams in the third gave the Jets a 17-16 lead, but Thomas Jr.’s 19-yard score put Jacksonville up 22-17. Adams’ 71-yard touchdown and two-point conversion, followed by Hall’s 1-yard plunge and Gardner’s interception, clinched the Jets’ comeback.
Humanized Narrative: Players Who Shined
This game was a showcase of star power and clutch plays. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams turned back the clock, their 198-yard, two-touchdown connection evoking their Green Bay glory days. Adams’ 71-yard score and circus catch along the sideline were vintage, while Rodgers’ 45 rushing yards showed his enduring grit. Sauce Gardner’s game-sealing interception was a moment of redemption for the All-Pro corner, who called it “great for the game to be on the line.”
For the Jaguars, Mac Jones’ 294 yards and poise under pressure, despite two picks, kept the game close, his taunt of Reddick adding spice. Brian Thomas Jr.’s 10 catches and two touchdowns, breaking franchise rookie records, marked him as a rising star. Travis Etienne Jr.’s steady 53 yards showed resilience, but the Jaguars’ late collapse left coach Doug Pederson lamenting missed execution. This matchup was about veterans proving their worth and rookies stepping up in a season-defining moment.
Why This Game Resonates
For NFL fans searching for Jets vs. Jaguars insights, this game highlighted the Jets’ potential with Rodgers and Adams, offering hope for 2025 despite a 4-10 record. The Jaguars’ fight, led by Thomas Jr.’s breakout, signals a bright future despite their 3-11 mark. Whether you’re a Jets fan celebrating a rare win or a Jaguars supporter eyeing the draft, this game delivered drama, big plays, and lessons for both teams’ futures.
