Jaguars Stop Short of Blowing Lead

Jacksonville didn’t let it slip away this time.

The Jaguars avoided blowing a fourth-quarter lead for a third consecutive week on Sunday when Tony Brackens tackled Frank Wycheck short of the goal line on fourth and two with 2:58 left, preserving a 30-24 victory over the Tennessee Oilers.

“It was one we definitely needed,” running back James Stewart said. “It was a boost for our team. The last two weeks have been horrible, losing games we should’ve won. It wasn’t pretty sometimes, but we got a win and that’s the most important thing for this team.”

The Jaguars (6-3) were probably seeing visions of losses to Dallas and Pittsburgh when they stalled repeatedly in the second half, settling for two field goals from Mike Hollis.

The Oilers (4-5) finally got their offense moving and trimmed a 27-10 deficit in the third quarter to 30-24, then got the ball back with less than 10 minutes left.

Steve McNair moved the Oilers 84 yards to Jacksonville’s seven by completing four passes in five attempts. But the Oilers, who had won three in a row, couldn’t get closer than the two before Brackens’ tackle ended what would be their final drive.

The Oilers’ final play, a shovel pass, was the same one that worked for Pittsburgh against Jacksonville in over-time last week--with Jerome Bettis scoring the winning touchdown.

This time, the Jaguars smothered the play.

“I didn’t see him coming,” Brackens said. “I just reacted to the play.”

The Jaguars then made two first downs to run out the clock.