JACKSONVILLE - Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton recovered a fumble, recorded a sack and anchored a run defense that held the New England Patriots to 45 yards on the ground as the Jacksonville Jaguars rolled to a 35-6 victory in a Week 3 game at EverBank Stadium Sunday, answering questions about the team’s resilience after a Week 2 loss.
The win carried added weight given New England’s status as the defending AFC Champions. The Patriots entered Jacksonville having gashed the Pittsburgh Steelers for 139 rushing yards in Week 2 behind running backs Treveyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. On Sunday, Hamilton, linebacker Ventrell Miller and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun held that same tandem to a combined 45 yards on 15 carries.
“It was a good response,” Head Coach Liam Coen said. “It was the response we talked about all week, winning the game in all three phases.”
Hamilton finished with five tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack. The Jaguars have not allowed a running back to gain at least 40 yards in a game this season - the longest such streak in franchise history. Reserve defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro contributed six tackles and a sack off the bench.
Wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter delivered the defensive highlight of the afternoon, hauling in his first NFL interception on an errant Drake Maye pass in the end zone to kill a late second-quarter Patriots drive. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brenton Strange combined for 10 receptions, 96 yards and a touchdown, renewing the chemistry between Meyers and quarterback Trevor Lawrence that had drawn scrutiny after the Broncos loss. Jacksonville’s running backs combined for 26 carries, 112 yards and two touchdowns, giving the offense the balance that kept New England’s defense off balance all afternoon. The Jaguars scored touchdowns on all five red-zone possessions.
“I am just trying to give the glory to God,” Hamilton said. “He has put me in this position. I am just taking advantage of it.”
Defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker did not record a sack, leaving pass rush as the one area Coen’s staff will look to sharpen heading into Week 4.