Despite a valiant attempt by the Jacksonville Jaguars to eat up time offensively in the second quarter, the New England Patriots took a 19-9 lead into halftime on Thursday evening.
Second year wide receiver Taylor Price was stellar for the Patriots in the second quarter, making a touchdown catch on the very tips of his fingertips to give the Patriots a 13-6 lead. Punter Zoltan Mesko was inserted to attempt a two point conversion, but was unsuccessful. The Jaguars answered with their third field goal of the night, the second by kicker Josh Scobee, to cut their deficit to four points. The Patriots then added a 46 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal to bring their lead to 16-9.
Led by Blaine Gabbert, the Jaguars tried up a lot of time offensively after Gostkowski’s field goal. Gabbert closed an 11 play, 5 minute, 18 second drive with a near interception by the Patriots’ Patrick Chung. The ball dropped just in front of Chung, who was visibly embarassed.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer connected with a wide receiver Price on a 30 yard reception after the two minute warning to move the offense down the field. Gostkowski ended the half with a 43 yard field goal to give the Patriots a 19-9 lead heading into halftime.