Live from Wembley: New England Patriots vs Jacksonville Jaguars

In the waning seconds before London’s third and final matchup of 2024, the UK’s iconic Wembley Stadium was overcome by a bewitching sea of black and teal, as a record-breaking crowd of 86,651 emphatically waved their complimentary flags – primed for the 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars to host the 1-5 New England Patriots.

BREAKING: NEW NFL RECORD ATTENDANCE AT WEMBLEY 🇬🇧

86,651 have packed out the home of football, to watch the @Jaguars take on the @Patriots in London!#NFLLondonGames #NFL #DUUUVAL #NEPats | @NFLUKIRE @JaguarsUKandIE pic.twitter.com/wXY25FJBpS

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 20, 2024

No amount of flags could deter rookie quarterback Drake Maye, however, who – in just his second career start – wasted no time making his mark overseas. Demonstrating veteran-esque poise in the pocket, Maye connected with multiple targets on the opening drive to confidently lead the Patriots offense deep into Jaguars territory. Even a crushing sack from Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd couldn’t shake the first-year signal-caller, who responded by finding running back JaMycal Hasty for the first touchdown of the game – owing to two nifty jukes from the former Jaguar.

On the other side of the ball, 2022 Pro Bowl QB Trevor Lawrence didn’t quite see the same level of success to start the game – with an unexpectedly deafening cheer from the Patriots collective forcing the Jaguars offense to go three-and-out.

Despite starting on his own 15-yard line, Maye’s early confidence continued to hold strong, as the third-overall pick moved the chains with ease both through the air and on the ground – establishing a formidable connection with tight end Hunter Henry, who accrued four receptions for 48 yards in the first quarter alone.

An anticlimactic end to another stellar drive from the Patriots saw wide receiver Kendrick Bourne drop a critical pass on third down – forcing New England to settle for three points and subsequently a 10-point lead.

Spurred on by their defensive stop to start the second quarter, Lawrence found wide receiver Christian Kirk for 24 yards – before handing over to running backs Tank Bigsby and D’Ernest Johnson to secure three-straight first downs. Determined to capitalise on such momentum, Lawrence found rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. on a crossing route in the middle of the end zone to reduce the deficit to just three points.

It was soon evident, however, that the seven-yard touchdown pass was just the beginning of an almighty showing from the Lawrence-Thomas tandem. Following another fierce effort from the defense, Jacksonville’s offense returned to the field. Pinned deep within their own half, Lawrence faked a handoff to Bigsby before launching a missile that travelled a mesmerising 58 yards, landing perfectly for Thomas Jr. – prompting a guttural roar from the crowd.

With Wembley Stadium now enveloped by an electrifying energy, Tank Bigsby finished off a stunning drive by punching the ball into the end zone to give the Jaguars their first lead of the game – one they wouldn’t wait long to extend.

Shook by the dramatic momentum shift, the Patriots stumbled on offense once more – with the team yet again turning to punter Bryce Baringer. But even a whopping punt, right down to the Jaguars’ 4-yard line, wasn’t enough to stop the Jaguars. After expertly dodging the first man, punt returner Parker Washington turned on the afterburners – darting past all expect Baringer, who was helpless in the face of Washington’s speed. As he “splashed” into the end zone, Washington finished off not only the longest punt return in franchise history, but the longest touchdown of any type in an NFL international game – capping it off with a celebration to match.

Speaking to the media after the game, Washington recalled the historic play: “It’s a special moment. I was telling some of the coaches, I just want one, one punt return touchdown.

“Being able to go out there and make a play like that; it was fun.”

Things continued to be far from fun for the Patriots, however, who – still distraught from the punt return – suffered a penalty on the extra point, allowing Lawrence to successfully find Thomas Jr. for an additional two points just before the break – polishing off a near-perfect second quarter from Jacksonville.

Having conceded 22 unanswered points, after an impressive start to the game, the Patriots left the locker room for the second half intent on re-establishing themselves on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, the Jaguars had other ideas – with Bigsby and Johnson leading the offense to three more points to start the third quarter, dealing Drake Maye a daunting hand.

Despite Maye fortifying his connection with Hunter Henry, a dropped pass from rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and a pass intended for K.J. Osborn fortuitously falling just shy of being intercepted, left the Patriots offense again heading for the sidelines empty-handed.

In a showing seemingly foreshadowing a bright future for Jacksonville, young weapons Bigsby and Thomas Jr. ran riot for the remainder of the third quarter – with the pair seeing eight combined touches on a singular drive, as the Jaguars worked themselves deep within Patriots territory. Reflecting on their combined dominance after the game, head coach Doug Pederson told reporters: “These guys have really proven their worth.”

🗣️ “It’s STILL his job.”

After @Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby’s DOMINANT performance in London, head coach Doug Pederson tells Decyfrdr why Travis Etienne Jr. remains Jacksonville’s RB1.#DUUUVAL | @JaguarsUKandIE pic.twitter.com/0USCYAVlqR

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 20, 2024

A joyous rendition of John Denver’s ‘Take me Home, Country Roads’ from those in attendance, seemed overwhelmingly apt, as the Jaguars attempted to take home the win with just one quarter remaining. Celebrations would have to wait for the Jags, however, as the Patriots defense finally held strong – forcing a turnover on downs on their own five-yard line.

As sunlight filled Wembley Stadium for the first time all afternoon, Drake Maye finally gave Patriots fans a ray of hope – quickly moving the offense down to the Jaguars’ 17-yard line.

A dropped interception from safety Andre Cisco would prove to be the necessary break for New England, as Maye found Osborn on third and 15 for a 22-yard score – their first points since the first quarter. Unfortunately for Patriots fans, any excitement was quickly dampened when a crucial slip from Polk saw a two-point conversion fall incomplete.

With the Patriots trailing by nine points, head coach Jerod Mayo’s defense provided just enough resistance to halt the Jaguars’ next drive – presenting Drake Maye the opportunity to mount an unprecedented comeback with just under four minutes on the clock.

Between a crushing penalty and a gut-wrenching sack, however, all hopes of a comeback quickly dissipated – with the drive coming to a close after a failed attempt at a conversion on fourth and 26.

As Trevor Lawrence and the offense took over for Jacksonville with less than two minutes remaining, head coach Doug Pederson made the decision to mercilessly push the ball into the end zone – rather than taking a knee. Running ‘behind his pads’, Bigsby ferociously drove through the middle of the Patriots defense to conclusively secure the Jaguars’ second victory of the season, whilst simultaneously handing the Patriots their sixth-straight loss.

🗣️ “London feels like a second home.”

Speaking to Decyfr, Trevor Lawrence – who just became the NFL London Games all-time passing yards leader – explains why playing in the UK is so special 🇬🇧#DUUUVAL | @Jaguars | @JaguarsUKandIE | @Trevorlawrencee pic.twitter.com/5cqIHPYMN9

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 20, 2024

Now boasting an all-time London Games record of 4-2, an elated Trevor Lawrence reflected on the 32-16 victory and his love of the UK, telling Decyfr: “It’s a lot more fun when we win. But being here in London, you guys are amazing, the fans are amazing…we enjoy being over here. It’s almost like a second home.”

After 208,972 fans, 1,817 yards of offense, 139 total points and countless lifelong memories, the 2024 NFL London Games have come to close – leaving the unwaveringly passionate British NFL fan base longing for 2025 and London’s next slate of games.