The Jaguars intercepted Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold more times on Sunday, three times, than all the quarterbacks they faced in the first nine weeks of the season combined (two).
But Jacksonville's turnover production wasn't enough to overcome its own offensive woes on Sunday, and Minnesota cruised to a 12-7 win at EverBank Stadium in Week 10.
Without starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence at the helm due to one The Jaguars managed just 3.4 yards per play with Jacksonville native Mac Jones making his first start as a signal-caller with the team.
Only two Jacksonville wide receivers caught passes on Sunday: Gabe Davis on a 19-yard reception that gave the Jaguars their only score of the game – a one-yard quarterback sneak by Jones in the first quarter – and Brian Thomas Jr. for a two-yard and a ten-yard gain in the fourth quarter.
The Jaguars gained 70 yards on their scoring drive and only gained 73 yards otherwise.
Jones finished the game completing 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards and three turnovers.
Jacksonville linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, cornerback Montaric Brown and safety Darnell Savage Jr. each intercepted Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold during the contest, with Brown and Savage making their plays either in the end zone or at the goal line, preventing potential Vikings points.
But the Jaguars' offense was completely unable to take advantage of the opportunities their defense provided. Jacksonville ran a total of 16 plays on drives that followed a Vikings turnover, but generated no points and only 46 yards in those situations.
Jacksonville had a 7-3 lead from 3:48 minutes into the first quarter to 1:45 minutes into the third quarter. But Minnesota kicker John Parker Romo, who signed with the Vikings on Tuesday, made consecutive field goal attempts of 33, 34 and 29 yards between the third and fourth quarters to take control of the game.
Meanwhile, Jones fumbled a snap and was intercepted twice on Jacksonville's final three offensive series.
The Jaguars travel to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 11, their final game against an NFC North team this season. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
