JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence expects praise and ire in the fantasy football world for passing up an easy rushing touchdown against New England on Sunday.
Lawrence gave himself up at the 1-yard line with more than eight minutes to play in a lopsided game. He easily could have walked into the end zone, but instead chose to drop to a knee and milk the clock.
One problem: There was still a lot of time left in the game.
“It’s something we talk about all the time, potentially, in those situations, like going down, keeping the clock running,” Lawrence said following the 35-6 victory. “That was too much time. I looked at the clock after and I’m like, ‘Still eight minutes left.’ Probably unnecessary there. ...
“If you do the analytics, people will probably be all over it online. I’m sure it probably wasn’t the best decision, but we scored the next play.”
Running back Bhayshul Tuten scored seconds later, likely creating ripple effects across fantasy football leagues.
Lawrence said teammates were “making fun of me” afterward when he reached the sideline.
Coach Liam Coen took the blame for the call, deadpanning: “I just wanted to give a touchdown to somebody else.”
Lawrence threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Tuten ran for 73 yards and a score.
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs against the New England Patriots in the second half during an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen reacts with running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) in the second half against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) kneels against the New England Patriots in the second half during an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Playing their first game without quarterback Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants got just enough from replacement Jameis Winston on offense and another big play from safety Jevon Holland to win an ugly football game in the middle of a nor'easter.
Winston completed 12 of 18 passes for 117 yards, Holland intercepted Cam Ward with 17 seconds left and the Giants held on to beat the Tennessee Titans 12-7 on Sunday.
Coach John Harbaugh thought Winston did what was required and necessary in rainy, windy conditions.
“Today is the only day that we have, and today it was enough,” Winston said. “I’ve had games where I’ve thrown for 500 yards, and the game didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to be. Any time, any day, I would rather win.”
In the aftermath of Dart having surgery on his left knee that will sideline him for at least the remainder of the regular season, the Giants (2-1) lost their most important defensive player when Brian Burns injured his right knee in the fourth quarter. Burns is set to have further testing to determine the severity.
“There is some hope there, but we won’t know until we see the MRI,” Harbaugh said.
If it is significant like Dart’s injury, it is another blow to the Giants after Harbaugh’s tenure as coach got off to a promising start. Burns ranked second in the NFL in sacks last season behind record-setter Myles Garrett.
Offensively, Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy kept the ball on the ground, in part because of the conditions, and piled up 138 yards rushing with no turnovers.
“Everybody saw how windy it was,” center John Michael Schmitz said. “Everybody saw how wet the ball was. I feel like our offense did a great job protecting the ball.”
The Titans (0-3) narrowly avoided becoming the first NFL team in eight years to not pick up a first down before halftime. The offense run by former Giants coach Brian Daboll was held off the scoreboard until Cam Ward connected with Wan’Dale Robinson for the game’s only touchdown with 5:35 left.
They would have scored earlier had Ward not missed Carnell Tate wide open in the end zone. Ward found a rhythm late but was picked off by Holland in the end zone, his first interception this season.
“This was a hard-fought win,” said Holland, who had an interception for a third consecutive game. “For us to come out here and get this done, it was nitty gritty. But it was important.”
Tennessee had blunders on offense, defense and special teams. Chimere Dike, an All-Pro as a rookie, fumbled the opening kickoff. It's the second fumble he has lost this season.
“We’re in a place right now we’re 0-3,” defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons said. “We need to do more. We’ve got to stop talking: say less, do more.”
Simmons was one of the few bright spots for the Titans. He sacked Winston in the first half, when he made a career-high seven tackles. No other defensive tackle has had as many in a half this season.
“Jeffery Simmons is on the other side of the ball, and you try to trap him — he’s an animal,” Giants running back Cam Skattebo said. “ He wrecked a couple plays, and shout-out to him, man. He’s a respected player in this league. He destroyed some plays.”
Titans: Starting right guard Fernando Carmona left with an ankle injury on the team's first offensive play. ... Running back Tyjae Spears injured an ankle in the second half.
Giants: Fullback Patrick Ricard had a cut on his nose, Harbaugh said.
Titans: Visit Baltimore next Sunday
Giants: Host Arizona next Sunday.
See AP’s full NFL coverage here
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) runs for a first down past Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton (50) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) grabs the facemask of Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (4) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) is assisted by the team's medical staff after being injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) pressures Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the first half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
