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The Jacksonville Jaguars' decision to go for it on fourth down instead of kicking a field goal against the Buffalo Bills drew rebuke from a Super Bowl champion.
During their AFC wild-card round matchup on Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars attempted a crucial 4th-and-2 play in the second quarter, hoping to increase their lead. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence ran to his left, and initially, officials ruled it a first down. However, the Buffalo Bills challenged the call, and a replay clearly showed Lawrence was down well short of the first-down marker, resulting in a failed conversion.
The failed fourth-down attempt resulted in the Jaguars ending the drive with no points. This immediately swung momentum, as the Buffalo Bills scored on their very next drive, taking a 10-7 lead. Later in the half, Jacksonville had another opportunity to score with a 54-yard field goal attempt, but kicker Cam Little missed it to the left, highlighting multiple missed scoring chances before halftime.
Former Super Bowl champion T.J. Ward vehemently criticized the Jaguars' coaching staff for their decision to go for it on 4th down instead of opting for a field goal. Ward expressed frustration on social media, stating that coaches should 'Take the points' because points offer more than just numerical value, they 'keep your momentum going!' He emphasized that failing a 4th down attempt gives the opposing team a 'tremendous momentum boost', asserting that 'Football is not rocket science'.
By halftime, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had completed 9 of 15 passes for 88 yards, including one touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. He also contributed 29 rushing yards on three carries. On the opposing side, Bills quarterback Josh Allen went into the locker room with 129 passing yards and 12 rushing yards, having scored one rushing touchdown for his team.