Monday, November 12, 2001
Jaguars end five-game losing streak
By EDDIE PELLS
AP Sports Writer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After five disheartening weeks, the Jacksonville Jaguars rediscovered their defense, their running game and the winning formula.
Mark Brunell threw for two touchdowns and Stacey Mack ran for two more Sunday to help the Jaguars break a five-game losing streak with a 30-13 victory over the Bengals.
“It's a sense of satisfaction, obviously,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “It's something that our players really needed, and our coaches really needed.”
Brunell, playing with a hurting leg, directed the Jaguars (3-5) to 21 points in the third quarter to take a 28-13 lead. Then, unlike the last two weeks, the defense figured out a way to hold onto a double-digit lead.
Tony Brackens led the defense with two sacks, one that gave the Jaguars great field position to set up their first touchdown, the next for a safety to give them their final points.
It was quite a turnaround for Brackens, who was criticized around town last week after failing to record a single tackle in Jacksonville's 28-24 loss to Tennessee.
“It's good to see him making plays,” said teammate Kevin Hardy. “He's heard the negative talk about his play, and I think he came out and silenced some people.”
Running back Stacey Mack, fumble prone and sent to the bench last month, responded with 71 yards on 15 carries, and finally gave the Jaguars a rushing attack that allowed them to chew some clock.
“I know I've got the ability to play this game, and I can play this game,” Mack said. “I'm taking care of the ball and I'm going to have two hands on it when guys are around me.”
He might not need to worry about it beginning next week, because Fred Taylor's groin is almost healed, and Coughlin expects to be back in the lineup at Pittsburgh.
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Jaguars end five-game losing streak
