![Jacksonville Jaguars upset Pittsburgh in Divisional Playoffs 45-42. - [Photo courtesy of Keith Allison via Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/1/14/660x290/b_502x220x82/jacksonville-jaguars-upset-pittsburgh-in-divisional-playoffs-45-42-photo-courtesy-of-keith-allison-via-flickr_1778515.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars upset Pittsburgh in Divisional Playoffs 45-42. - [Photo courtesy of Keith Allison via Flickr]")
The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short in their comeback attempt against the surprisingly explosive Jacksonville Jaguars, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, on Sunday (Jan. 14). Although Pittsburgh launched a furious charge after trailing 21-0 and then 28-7 late in the first quarter, the Steelers were unable to stop quarterback Blake Bortles and the Jags in the second half. The final score was 45-42 Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh soundly for the second time this season
Ben Roethlisberger produced three big-play touchdown passes to Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Le’Veon Bell to close the gap to 28-21 early in the third quarter.
For a time, the Steelers' defense stiffened, the offense stopped turning the ball over, and the home team was seemingly on the road to a momentous comeback victory. However, It wasn’t to be, as Jacksonville answered all Pittsburgh’s scoring in the second half. Jacksonville began the game right where they left off on their last visit to Pittsburgh earlier in the season. In that game, they picked-off Roethlisberger five times en route to a convincing 30-9 victory.
In Pittsburgh Sunday, the turnover bug was a huge factor, once again. The Jags jumped out to a seven-point advantage early, before Big Ben threw an interception, which led quickly to another touchdown for Jacksonville, and an early 14-0 lead.
It wasn’t long before a big hit on Roethlisberger while trying to pass, dislodged the ball, which was run back for another touchdown by the Jaguars' Telvin Smith.
The Steelers produced some spectacular touchdown plays in the loss
Down 21-0 in their own building, Pittsburgh began to exhibit their big-play capabilities with the first of two touchdown catches by Antonio Brown.
And, Ben Roethlisberger followed with three more TD passes, but it wasn’t enough. The Jaguars, who had struggled to score all season long, shocked the Pittsburgh faithful sitting in the cold at Heinz field, with relentless ball movement.
Pittsburgh was favored Sunday, but an upset was in store. It was widely expected that the Steelers would dispense with the Jags at home and advance to face the New England Patriots in Foxboro next week.
In the game covered on CBS network, it appeared that the Steelers were caught looking ahead. Although Pittsburgh, who was dominated by Jacksonville in their first meeting this season, should have been playing with a chip on their shoulder, on Sunday they displayed little resolve on the defensive side of the ball.
As for Jacksonville, from Tom Coughlin, VP of football operations, on down to Coach Doug Marone and QB Blake Bortles, it appears it is all coming together. The much-criticized Bortles showed poise and good decision-making while completing some key passes in the win. The defense was aggressive and caused two turnovers which led to touchdowns while helping build an insurmountable first-half lead for the Floridians.
