JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trevor Lawrence’s final touchdown didn’t go exactly as planned — in fact, it started with a stumble — but the end result was a thrilling 31-28 comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night.
With just 23 seconds left, Lawrence tripped over his lineman’s foot, fell backward, scrambled to his feet, and somehow turned a broken play into a 1-yard touchdown run that gave Jacksonville the lead — and the win — in dramatic fashion.
“A wild, wild way to finish,” said Lawrence, who turned 26 on Monday and was serenaded with a locker room celebration by his teammates after the game.
The win snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Jaguars (4-1) against the Chiefs (2-3) and equaled their win total from last season.
A Fittingly Chaotic Ending
Kansas City had taken a 28-24 lead with under two minutes to play thanks to a clutch drive from Patrick Mahomes. But with 1:45 on the clock, Lawrence engineered the game-winning response — one that included big-time throws, a controversial penalty, and finally, that unforgettable touchdown run.
Right guard Patrick Mekari accidentally stepped on Lawrence’s foot as he took the snap near the goal line. The quarterback tumbled several yards into the backfield and nearly gave up on the play. But as he stood up, he saw open field and took off — breaking a tackle and diving into the end zone.
“It looked ridiculous, but it was pure toughness,” Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said. “He just refused to lose.”
Defensive players on the Chiefs, including star tackle Chris Jones, admitted they froze on the play.
“We didn’t finish,” Jones said. “You can’t let a guy fall down, get back up, and still beat you. That’s on us.”
Lawrence Leads the Charge
Lawrence finished 18 of 25 for 221 passing yards with one touchdown throw and two rushing scores. He also led the Jaguars in rushing with 54 yards on the ground.
When the game was on the line, he delivered — connecting with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. for a 33-yard strike and then Dyami Brown for another key gain. A defensive pass interference call against Kansas City set up the bizarre go-ahead touchdown run.
“He made all the right reads in crunch time,” said Coen. “That’s the guy we know he can be.”
Mahomes, Chiefs Can’t Close
Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns and Kareem Hunt added two more scores on the ground for the Chiefs, who once led 14-0. Mahomes was 21 of 31 for 234 yards but threw a costly interception and failed to spark a final drive in the last seconds.
The loss ended Kansas City’s 23-game winning streak in games where they had led by at least 14 points.
Defensive Heroics: Lloyd’s Historic Pick-Six
One of the biggest momentum shifts came courtesy of linebacker Devin Lloyd. The reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Month jumped a pass from Mahomes intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster at the goal line, returning it 99 yards for a touchdown — the longest regular-season interception return by a linebacker in NFL history.
Lloyd weaved through Mahomes and Hunt before speeding down the sideline with a convoy of blockers, giving Jacksonville a 21-14 lead in the third quarter.
“He’s everywhere right now,” Coen said of Lloyd. “He changed the game.”
Rookie Star Travis Hunter Shines Again
Rookie two-way sensation Travis Hunter made his mark once again. He hauled in a leaping 44-yard reception — the fourth-longest by a rookie this season — in the third quarter, skying over a defender and holding on despite a hard hit.
Earlier, he turned a short catch into a 12-yard gain with a pair of slick jukes, showing off his elite agility and playmaking ability.
Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, continues to prove he’s more than capable at the NFL level — on both sides of the ball.
Injury Updates
Chiefs: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy briefly exited in the third quarter after appearing to aggravate a pre-existing ankle issue but returned shortly after. Left tackle Josh Simmons played despite being a late addition to the injury report with an illness.
Jaguars: Tight end Brenton Strange left in the first half with a left hip injury and did not return. Defensive end Travon Walker missed the game after undergoing wrist surgery last week.
What’s Next
Chiefs: Return home to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.
Jaguars: Continue their homestand next Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
