The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Thursday night's game on short rest but with momentum after a blowing out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. On Thursday, however, it was the Jags that were on the other end of the blowout. The Falcons capitalized on Jacksonville turnovers to put together big second and third quarters on the road to a 41-14 win.
The Jaguars scored the final two touchdowns of the night, but the Falcons win was never in doubt by the end of the second quarter. Jacksonville ended the shutout when Zach Potter scooped up a blocked punt and took it 46 yards for their first touchdown of the game. Blaine Gabbert, who struggled mightily for much of the game, would add a 16 yard touchdown pass to Chastin West in garbage time to make it 41-14.
The Falcons, on the other hand, built their lead to 41-0 behind the stellar play of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and a Falcon defensive line that pressured Gabbert and forced turnovers all night. John Abraham alone had 3.5 sacks and forced two fumbles, with one returned by Corey Peters for Atlanta's opening second half touchdown. Matt Ryan finished with 224 yards passing and three touchdowns, ending his night early in the third quarter with a 41 point lead.
The Jaguars now have a long week off to lick their wounds, and will go on the road to face the Tennessee Titans on Christmas Eve.
For more on the Jaguars, please visit Big Cat Country, SB Nation's Jags blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Atlanta and The Falcoholic, SB Nation's Falcons blog.