The Jacksonville Jaguars were playing from behind most of the game Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, but that’s nothing new for this squad. A team that made a habit of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat looked like it had a chance to do it again in the Divisional Round.
Facing a 27-17 deficit, the Jaguars drove deep into Chiefs territory in the fourth quarter and were on the doorstep of a touchdown to cut the lead to three. But a short pass to Jamal Agnew was fumbled away to Kansas City, all but guaranteeing the Jaguars’ season was over.
Fumbled inside the 5! @Chiefs ball!
📺: #JAXvsKC on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/3PQhoYeSUP pic.twitter.com/PyL7GkMPTi— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2023
Shortly after the Chiefs’ 27-20 win, Agnew was one of the first Jaguars players to tweet about the loss.
Wish I could have that one back, I let this team down no doubt! BUT that one play won’t define me. Damn proud of what this team was able to accomplish. Hell of a run! This one hurts, but we’ll be back. Appreciate you rocking with us all year DUUUVAL. Love! 🖤
— Mal (@jamalagnew) January 22, 2023
According to ESPN’s Gamecast, the Jaguars’ chances at winning the game dropped from 16.9 percent to 3.4 percent with the fumble.
Blaming the loss on Agnew would hardly be fair, though. The explosive returner gave the Jaguars a much-needed spark early in the game with a massive 63-yard return that set up a game-tying touchdown. Later, he almost broke free again and settled for a 42-yard return.
Agnew finished the regular season with 86 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards, and three touchdown receptions. He averaged 26 yards per kick return and 8.2 yards per punt return.