The 2023 NFL season will officially hit its halfway point this weekend with Week 9 of the 18-week regular season underway. While the Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t quite there yet with eight games down and nine to go, the teams’ bye makes for a pretty even split of the year into two halves.
With a 6-2 record through part one of their season, the Jaguars are feeling pretty good.
Jacksonville has a fast growing lead in the AFC South, a reasonable shot at the top seed in the AFC, and one of the longest win streaks in franchise history.
The Jaguars offense hasn’t been the juggernaut many expected, but it’s found points in big moments and the defense has been a highlights machine. With eight games in the books, here are the 20 best plays of Jacksonville’s season so far:
20
Christian Kirk 29-yard touchdown vs. Colts
.@Trevorlawrencee identified a cheating cornerback and called his shot 🧠 @Jaguars@InsideTheNFL streaming now on @thecw pic.twitter.com/20TjMPwkGi
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 18, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 95% to 96%
A 29-yard touchdown from Trevor Lawrence to Christian Kirk gave the Jaguars an 18-point first half lead against the Colts, but it was the exploitation of a flaw in the Indianapolis defense that showed up in Week 1 that makes this most impressive.
19
Andre Cisco interception vs. Chiefs
.@JoshAllen41_ with the pressure, @andrecisco7 with the PICK!#KCvsJAX on CBS pic.twitter.com/pEk1roatu8
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 17, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 45% to 46%
Andre Cisco getting tackled deep in Jaguars territory made his interception of Patrick Mahomes an arm punt more than anything. But it was a fantastic play by the safety that stole a possession from the Chiefs.
18
Calvin Ridley 29-yard reception vs. Colts
Etienne really ran all the way up field to block for Ridley pic.twitter.com/VPbUWfLnzv
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) September 10, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 70% to 76%
A 29-yard gain down the right sideline for Calvin Ridley put the Jaguars in the red zone, but it was Travis Etienne’s high effort block on the play that stands out most.
17
Andre Cisco interception vs. Falcons
Back-to-back interceptions for the @Jaguars defense!#ATLvsJAX on ESPN+
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/4YlMMChvS1— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 92% to 97%
Right after Darious Williams housed a pick six, Andre Cisco kept the takeaways train rolling with an interception of his own against the Falcons.
16
Travis Etienne Jr. 22-yard direct snap touchdown vs. Colts
Direct snap to Etienne — 22 yd Touchdown run
— Look at (C) Luke Fortner blocking up field 🧱 pic.twitter.com/kluRrXT2or— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) October 16, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 84% to 88%
Come for a Travis Etienne Jr. direct snap touchdown that gave the Jaguars a double-digit lead. Stay for center Luke Fortner making a key block 12 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
15
Evan Engram one-handed reception vs. Colts
Evan Engram had to admire his hand after this crazy catch. @EazyEngram
📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/akTnr5X6ZB— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 91% to 92%
It may not have provided the massive momentum swing of some of the other plays on this list did, but Evan Engram’s one-handed grab against the Colts might be the most impressive individual play by any Jaguars player this season.
14
Andre Cisco interception vs. Colts
Andre Cisco forces the @Jaguars 2nd turnover of the half. 👏
📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/jpCwzqtFQ8— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 86% to 93%
The Jaguars’ fast start against the Colts looked to be in danger of turning into just a one-score lead at halftime. Andre Cisco made sure that wouldn’t be the case by hauling in an athletic interception.
13
Travis Etienne Jr. 35-yard touchdown vs. Bills
Etienne made heads collide 😮@Jaguars | @swaggy_t1 pic.twitter.com/gBHSuNBuzr
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 9, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 92% to 98%
A low-scoring battle turned into a random shootout in the final minutes of a Week 5 game in London. But Etienne all but slammed the door shut when he broke free for a 35-yard touchdown late.
12
Travis Etienne Jr. 56-yard touchdown reception vs. Steelers
LAWRENCE TO ETIENNE ON A 56-YARD TD.
📺: #JAXvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/LXcyZZEywR— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 84% to 93%
The Jaguars defense dominated most of the day against the Steelers, but the offense couldn’t find the end zone. That drought ended when Trevor Lawrence found Travis Etienne Jr. streaking down the sideline for a huge touchdown.
11
Jamal Agnew 48-yard punt return vs. Colts
The most under-appreciated play of Week 1?
This punt return by Jamal Agnew, which absolutely should not have happened with 40 right there
Down by 4, 11 minutes to go
Flips the field from inside the 5 to the opposing 45-yard line
Drive ends in a touchdown pic.twitter.com/EoGkTjPrMR
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 11, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 37% to 47%
With the Jaguars suddenly in trouble and the offense stuck in neutral, Jamal Agnew gave the team a much-needed jolt by returning a punt from deep in Jacksonville territory all the way to midfield.
10
Tyson Campbell interception vs. Colts
JAGS 4Q INT!
📺: #JAXvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/q4mYpCLuqI— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 75% to 87%
Shortly after the Jaguars took back the lead in the fourth quarter against the Colts, Tyson Campbell put Jacksonville in the driver’s seat by snatching an interception.
9
Montaric Brown fourth down pass breakup vs. Saints
BIG TIME BUSTER!@lockdown_2121 | #JAXvsNO on @nflonprime pic.twitter.com/nOHFgSP2o5
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 20, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 83% to 99%
With the game on the line and down to one last play, New Orleans tested the Jaguars’ Montaric Brown who was thrust into starting duties due to a Tyson Campbell injury. The second-year cornerback rose to the occasion and nailed the Saints’ coffin shut.
8
Josh Allen strip sack vs. Colts
A Josh Allen strip sack gets the ball right back in the Jaguars' possession. 💪 @JoshAllen41_
📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/54foTvfAxL— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 73% to 84%
Right after a Travis Etienne Jr. touchdown gave the Jaguars the lead, Josh Allen drilled Gardner Minshew to give Jacksonville another possession and — just like that — the rout was on.
7
Calvin Ridley 10-yard touchdown vs. Colts
Heck of an effort by @Trevorlawrencee who finds @CalvinRidley1 for the TD! @Jaguars are on the board!
📺: #JAXvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/B0ZlHvFl6K— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 75% to 81%
Trevor Lawrence gave the Jaguars their first touchdown of the season when he rolled left and bought enough time to free up Calvin Ridley in the back of the end zone against the Colts.
6
Calvin Ridley 30-yard touchdown vs. Falcons
Calvin Ridley scores against his former team!#ATLvsJAX on ESPN+
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/s4ACGtEV7b— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 66% to 73%
The Falcons had a free blitzer right in Trevor Lawrence’s face, but the Jaguars quarterback coolly dodged the pressure and fired down the field to get Jacksonville on the board first.
5
Zay Jones 6-yard touchdown vs. Bills
Mmm whatcha Zayyy?
📺: #JAXvsBUF on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/KoBoPo2DnR— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 41% to 48%
With a defender in his face who earned a roughing the passer penalty, Trevor Lawrence still managed to thread a laser in to Zay Jones in the back of the end zone against the Bills.
4
Foye Oluokun pick six vs. Saints
Foye Oluokun makes a house call off the deflection ‼️ #JAXvsNO on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/89nUeCngbn pic.twitter.com/6dwZB25nxD— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 77% to 89%
The Jacksonville defense had a great night at the Superdome and its best moment was Foye Oluokun’s pick six off a Darious Williams deflection.
3
Zay Jones 18-yard touchdown vs. Colts
WHAT A CATCH, @zayjones11 😱 Touchdown @Jaguars!
📺: #JAXvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/BTJmONI8oe— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 74% to 81%
The throwing window was borderline nonexistent for Trevor Lawrence and there was just a few inches of room on the sideline for Zay Jones. Somehow they made it work.
2
Darious Williams pick six vs. Falcons
That's a Darious Williams PICK-6! @Jaguars#ATLvsJAX on ESPN+
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/iptA26RX1i— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 77% to 92%
An early lead for the Jaguars in London turned into a commanding one when Darious Williams jumped in front of a Desmond Ridder pass and took it back for a touchdown.
1
Christian Kirk 44-yard touchdown vs. Saints
Christian Kirk is fast and the Jaguars have the lead 💯#JAXvsNO on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/89nUeCngbn pic.twitter.com/SQfWTMpTUg— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2023
Win probability added: Jaguars 59% to 85%
No play for the Jaguars so far in 2023 swung momentum harder than Christian Kirk’s timely touchdown in the final minutes of a win against the Saints.
