Trevor Lawrence turned chaos into brilliance Monday night, stumbling his way into one of the most memorable touchdowns of his career and leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to a dramatic 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
With just 23 seconds left, Lawrence tripped over his right guard’s foot, fell backward, scrambled to his feet, and somehow dashed into the end zone for the game-winning 1-yard touchdown — turning what looked like a disaster into an unforgettable highlight.
“What a crazy, crazy finish,” said Lawrence, who was serenaded by teammates in the locker room in celebration of his 26th birthday.
The victory snapped Jacksonville’s eight-game losing streak against the Chiefs and lifted the Jaguars to 4-1 on the season, matching their win total from all of last year. The defending AFC champions, meanwhile, dropped to 2-3 despite another late-game opportunity led by Patrick Mahomes.
A Wild Finish for the Ages
Mahomes had put Kansas City ahead 28-24 with 1:45 remaining, engineering what looked like another patented comeback drive. But Lawrence wasn’t finished. The Jaguars’ final possession began with a 33-yard strike to rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr., followed by a sharp completion to Dyami Brown.
A pass interference call on Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner moved Jacksonville to the 1-yard line — setting up the play that would define the night.
Right guard Patrick Mekari accidentally stepped on Lawrence’s foot as the quarterback took the snap, sending him sprawling into the backfield. Lawrence initially considered throwing the ball away but noticed an open lane to his left once he regained balance. He sprinted toward the goal line, broke a tackle, and dove in for the score.
“It’s a goofy finish, but what a tough moment for him,” head coach Liam Coen said. “He wasn’t going to lose.”
Some Kansas City defenders, including star lineman Chris Jones, hesitated after the trip. “We’ve got to finish that play,” Jones admitted. “It was a fluke for him to break that many tackles. That’s on us as a defense.”
Lawrence’s All-Around Night
Lawrence completed 18 of 25 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a team-high 54 yards and two scores. Despite two turnovers earlier in the game, he was flawless when it mattered most.
“He’s resilient,” Coen added. “That’s what defines this team — we find a way, no matter how messy it looks.”
Mahomes, Chiefs Fall Short
Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns, and Kareem Hunt ran for two more, helping the Chiefs build an early 14-0 advantage. They had previously won 23 consecutive games when leading by at least two touchdowns, but Jacksonville’s defense — led by linebacker Devin Lloyd — turned the tide.
Lloyd, named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September, intercepted Mahomes at the goal line in the third quarter and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown — the longest regular-season interception return by a linebacker in NFL history.
The pick-six brought the Jaguars level and energized the crowd. “It’s a big win,” Lawrence said afterward. “They’re a great team. You have to beat them — they won’t hand you anything. We went and took it.”
Rookie Sensation Travis Hunter Impresses
Two-way standout Travis Hunter continued to prove he belongs at the NFL level. The rookie produced two highlight plays, including a spectacular 44-yard reception — the fourth-longest by a rookie this season.
Hunter outleaped Conner to snag the ball before absorbing a heavy hit from Bryan Cook. Four plays later, Jacksonville tied the game at 14-14. Earlier, he had dazzled with a 12-yard catch-and-run, evading two tacklers on a short pass in the flat.
Key Injuries
The Chiefs saw receiver Xavier Worthy briefly leave the game with an ankle issue before returning in the third quarter. Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons played despite a pregame illness.
For Jacksonville, tight end Brenton Strange exited in the first half with a hip injury and did not return. Defensive end Travon Walker missed the game following wrist surgery earlier in the week.
Statement Win for Jacksonville
The Jaguars’ triumph marked their most emotional win under coach Liam Coen, who praised his team’s resilience. “We like to make things interesting,” he said, smiling. “But we fight to the end.”
Jacksonville’s defense bent but never broke, and Lawrence’s ability to stay composed through chaos sealed the win. His late touchdown — part luck, part grit — was the perfect snapshot of a young quarterback growing into a true leader.
For the Jaguars, it was more than just a victory. It was a statement — that this team, once an afterthought, now belongs among the AFC elite.
Final Score: Jaguars 31, Chiefs 28
Records: Jaguars (4-1), Chiefs (2-3)
Player of the Game: Trevor Lawrence – 18/25, 221 yards, 1 passing TD, 2 rushing TDs
What’s Next
The Chiefs will return home to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, while the Jaguars prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks earlier that day.
