A second-half shutout and a surge from Gardner Minshew II were not enough to help the Jaguars (4-8) get past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7), losing 28-11. 

The Buccaneers’ defense was red-hot in the first half. They forced an interception and two fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown.

The Jaguars’ big offseason signing, Nick Foles, completed seven of 14 passes for 93 yards, as well as an interception. All eyes were on Foles coming into this game, as he has been struggling since returning from a broken collarbone that sidelined him for about half of the season.

Coming out of the half, the Jags turned to Minshew in search of a spark. The substitution resuscitated the Jacksonville crowd and Minshew was able to give some life to the struggling Jaguars.

The difference was visible almost immediately. The Jaguars finally got on the board early in the third quarter thanks to a Josh Lambo field goal. On the next drive, the team marched down the field and Minshew capped it off with a touchdown to Dede Westbrook.

The increased momentum transferred to the defense. The Jags held the Bucs to three points in the second half. They recovered a fumble in the third quarter and forced a crucial turnover on downs which led to a touchdown.

The comeback effort would fizzle on the next drive when Westbrook bobbled a would-be touchdown pass which the Bucs subsequently intercepted.

Minshew completed 16 of his 27 attempts for 147 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The combination of the Jaguars benching Foles and Minshew then outperforming him raises questions about the future of the veteran quarterback who signed for $50M in guaranteed money.

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