Monday Night Football turns into nightmare for Jaguars

By Hays Carlyon

I don’t know why I’m writing this.

Who would want to read about a nightmare?

We were all excited for the Jaguars to host Monday Night Football for the first time in over a decade.

There was a spectacular pre-game light show that fans participated in with their phones.

And then over the course of three hours, the light started to slowly dim on the Jaguars’ lofty postseason goals.

They lost to Cincinnati 34-31 in overtime at EverBank Stadium. That’s not the difficult part of the evening. While disappointing, the Jaguars (8-4) still lead the AFC South even with the loss.

The disturbing aspect of Monday’s game were the injuries.

I’ve never seen anything like it.

The Jaguars lost:

Their quarterback – Trevor Lawrence sustained an ankle injury that certainly could be serious.

Their most dependable receiver – Christian Kirk was lost to a groin injury on the first offensive play, a 26-yard catch.

Their nickel corner – Trey Herndon left with a head injury on the second defensive snap of the game.

Their best run-stuffing defensive tackle – Foley Fatukasi left with an ankle injury in the second half.

Their left tackle – Walker Little hurt his hamstring on the same play Lawrence was injured on when he stepped on Lawrence’s ankle.

This is simply too much for one team to withstand in a game.

Lawrence’s injury will define the rest of the season. He was wearing a boot and using crutches after the game.

If he’s fine, the Jaguars will be fine and perhaps be able to get back in the mix for the AFC’s top seed. If he’s out a few games, the Jaguars will have to fight to make the playoffs. If he’s out for the season, the Jaguars are finished.

Sports can be cruel and this was a cruel night for the Jaguars. This would be cruel in ordinary circumstances, but to have their Monday Night party spoiled in such nauseating fashion is beyond brutal.

The Football Gods were merciless.

Now, we will wait.

A trip to Cleveland awaits on Sunday. That is followed by a home game against Baltimore on Sunday Night Football.

What kind of team will the Jaguars have available in those games?

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson looked rattled in his postgame press conference. So much so that he became the first coach I’ve ever seen to blame the raucous home crowd for defensive communication breakdowns.

I give Pederson a pass on that because of the million thoughts that had to be running through his head.

This will be a monumental task to keep the Jaguars afloat.

Pederson deserved better.

You deserved better.

Monday was supposed to be a fun celebration.

It became a living nightmare.

(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X @HaysCarlyon).