# 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars season

The 1996 season was the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and their first season under the leadership of general manager and head coach Tom Coughlin. The Jaguars improved on their 4–12 record from their inaugural season. The Jaguars marked success as they won six of their last seven games of the season and finished with a record of 9–7. The credit for this midseason turnaround probably lies in the demotion of wide receiver Andre Rison in favor of Jimmy Smith after a game against the St. Louis Rams in which Brunell threw 5 interceptions. The interceptions were blamed on Rison and he was benched. In the team's final game of the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons, needing a win to earn a playoff berth, the Jaguars caught a bit of luck when Morten Andersen missed a 30-yard field goal with less than a minute remaining that would have given the Falcons the lead. The Jaguars clinched the fifth seed in the AFC playoffs.
The Jaguars achieved their first ever franchise playoff game victory, in a stunning upset on the road against the Buffalo Bills. The victory against the Bills was notable because the Bills roster was made up of many of the same players that had been to four Super Bowls in the decade, including eventual Hall of Fame players Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, and Bruce Smith (who had previously been the league Defensive Player of the Year). Their next game was on the road against the Denver Broncos, who had dominated the AFC with a 13–3 record (and earned the top AFC seed). The upstart Jaguars were not intimidated by the Broncos or their fans and their good fortune continued. They largely dominated from the second quarter onward. A late touchdown pass from Mark Brunell to Jimmy Smith gave the Jags a 30–20 lead. They held on to win in a huge upset, 30–27, in a game that many people still consider the franchise's finest hour. Upon their return home, the Jags were greeted by an estimated 40,000 fans at the stadium. Many of these fans had watched the game on the stadium JumboTron displays and had stayed into the early hours of the morning when the team arrived. In the AFC Championship Game, the Jaguars acquitted themselves very well, playing a tight and close defensive game in a hostile environment for over three quarters before finally losing 20–6 to the New England Patriots on the road.

## Offseason

| Additions | Subtractions |
| DT John Jurkovic (Packers) | WR Desmond Howard (Packers) |
| LB Eddie Robinson (Oilers) | QB Steve Beuerlein (Panthers) |
| RB Natrone Means (Chargers) | LB Keith Goganious (Ravens) |
| WR Keenan McCardell (Browns) | T Bruce Wilkerson (Packers) |
| | S Darren Carrington (Raiders) |

### NFL draft

1996 Jacksonville Jaguars draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 2 | Kevin Hardy * | Linebacker | Illinois |
| 2 | 33 | Tony Brackens * | Defensive end | Texas |
| 2 | 60 | Michael Cheever | Center | Georgia Tech |
| 3 | 63 | Aaron Beasley | Cornerback | West Virginia |
| 4 | 110 | Reggie Barlow | Wide receiver | Alabama State |
| 5 | 146 | Jimmy Herndon | Guard | Houston |
| 6 | 170 | John Fisher | Defensive back | Missouri Western State |
| 6 | 185 | Chris Doering | Wide receiver | Florida |
| 7 | 227 | Clarence Jones | Wide receiver | Tennessee State |
| 7 | 228 | Gregory Spann | Wide receiver | Jackson State |
| Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

### Undrafted free agents

1996 Undrafted free agents of note :
| Player | Position | College |
| Omari Mangrum | Tackle | Indiana State |
| Chris Parker | Running back | Marshall |
| Steve Taneyhill | Quarterback | South Carolina |
| Patrick Walsh | Tackle | UConn |

## Preseason

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Stadium |
| 1 | August 2 | New York Giants | L 17–24 | 0–1 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium |
| 2 | August 9 | at St. Louis Rams | L 10–17 | 0–2 | Trans World Dome |
| 3 | August 18 | San Francisco 49ers | W 38–10 | 1–2 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium |
| 4 | August 23 | at Denver Broncos | W 31–24 | 2–2 | Mile High Stadium |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | September 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | W 24–9 | 1–0 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 70,210 |
| 2 | September 8 | Houston Oilers | L 27–34 | 1–1 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 66,468 |
| 3 | September 15 | at Oakland Raiders | L 3–17 | 1–2 | Oakland Coliseum | 46,291 |
| 4 | September 22 | at New England Patriots | L 25–28 (OT) | 1–3 | Foxboro Stadium | 59,446 |
| 5 | September 29 | Carolina Panthers | W 24–14 | 2–3 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 71,537 |
| 6 | October 6 | at New Orleans Saints | L 13–17 | 2–4 | Louisiana Superdome | 34,231 |
| 7 | October 13 | New York Jets | W 21–17 | 3–4 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 65,699 |
| 8 | October 20 | at St. Louis Rams | L 14–17 | 3–5 | Trans World Dome | 60,066 |
| 9 | October 27 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 21–28 | 3–6 | Cinergy Field | 45,890 |
| 10 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 11 | November 10 | Baltimore Ravens | W 30–27 | 4–6 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 64,628 |
| 12 | November 17 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 3–28 | 4–7 | Three Rivers Stadium | 57,879 |
| 13 | November 24 | at Baltimore Ravens | W 28–25 (OT) | 5–7 | Memorial Stadium | 57,384 |
| 14 | December 1 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 30–27 | 6–7 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 57,408 |
| 15 | December 8 | at Houston Oilers | W 23–17 | 7–7 | Houston Astrodome | 20,196 |
| 16 | December 15 | Seattle Seahawks | W 20–13 | 8–7 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 66,134 |
| 17 | December 22 | Atlanta Falcons | W 19–17 | 9–7 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 71,449 |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Jaguars | 7 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 27 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: September 1, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 70,210
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Willie Jackson 38-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 8:26. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:32.
PIT – Norm Johnson 48-yard field goal, 0:52. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 3:58.
Second quarter
PIT – Norm Johnson 29-yard field goal, 3:12. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:46.
JAX – Keenan McCardell 15-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 0:16. Jaguars 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:56.
Third quarter
PIT – Norm Johnson 23-yard field goal, 1:19. Jaguars 14–9. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 5:10.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 52-yard field goal, 8:25. Jaguars 17–9. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:40.
JAX – James Stewart 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 4:49. Jaguars 24–9. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:19.
Top passers
PIT – Jim Miller – 9/17, 83 yards
JAX – Mark Brunell – 20/31, 212 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
PIT – Jerome Bettis – 14 rushes, 57 yards
JAX – James Stewart – 25 rushes, 77 yards, TD
Top receivers
PIT – Andre Hastings – 3 receptions, 34 yards
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 6 receptions, 94 yards :

#### Week 2: vs. Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Oilers | 10 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
| Jaguars | 10 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: September 8, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 87 °F (31 °C)
* Game attendance: 66,468
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 38-yard field goal, 12:47. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 2:00.
HOU – Al Del Greco 32-yard field goal, 9:24. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:23.
JAC – James Stewart 5-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 3:25. Jaguars 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 5:59.
HOU – Eddie George 1-yard run (Al Del Greco kick), 0:48. Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 2:37.
Second quarter
HOU – Malcolm Floyd 63-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Al Del Greco kick), 13:10. Oilers 17–10. Drive: 3 plays, 90 yards, 1:34.
JAX – Mike Hollis 37-yard field goal, 5:51. Oilers 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 4:12.
HOU – Frank Wycheck 7-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Al Del Greco kick), 0:47. Oilers 24–13. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:04.
Third quarter
HOU – Willie Davis 11-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Al Del Greco kick), 7:08. Oilers 31–13. Drive: 3 plays, 79 yards, 2:04.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 5-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 2:47. Oilers 31–20. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:21.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Al Del Greco 29-yard field goal, 7:27. Oilers 34–20. Drive: 16 plays, 68 yards, 10:20.
JAX – Keenan McCardell 3-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 2:33. Oilers 34–27. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:04.
Top passers
HOU – Chris Chandler – 14/22, 226 yards, 3 TD
JAX – Mark Brunell – 27/38, 302 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
HOU – Eddie George – 17 rushes, 143 yards, TD
JAX – James Stewart – 17 rushes, 58 yards, TD
Top receivers
HOU – Malcolm Floyd – 3 receptions, 90 yards, TD
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 8 receptions, 100 yards, TD :

#### Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Raiders | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California
* Date: September 15, 1996
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C)
* Game attendance: 46,291
* Referee: Red Cashion
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
OAK – Tim Brown 19-yard pass from Jeff Hostetler (Cole Ford kick), 5:46. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 2:00.
OAK – Cole Ford 32-yard field goal, 0:58. Raiders 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 2:48.
Third quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 33-yard field goal, 4:40. Raiders 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 2:48.
Fourth quarter
OAK – Jerry Ball 66-yard interception return (Cole Ford kick), 2:15. Raiders 17–3.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 18/37, 217 yards, 2 INT
HOU – Jeff Hostetler – 18/27, 200 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
JAX – James Stewart – 8 rushes, 52 yards
HOU – Napoleon Kaufman – 7 rushes, 54 yards
Top receivers
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 4 receptions, 72 yards
HOU – Tim Brown – 5 receptions, 60 yards, TD :

#### Week 4: at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 25 |
| Patriots | 9 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 28 |
at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
* Date: September 22, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 71 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 59,446
* Referee: Larry Nemers
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Ben Coates 5-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (kick failed), 6:38. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:51.
NE – Adam Vinatieri 23-yard field goal, 1:17. Patriots 9–0. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 2:32.
Second quarter
NE – Adam Vinatieri 30-yard field goal, 9:50. Patriots 12–0. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 2:54.
NE – Curtis Martin 4-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 5:29. Patriots 19–0. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 3:11.
NE – Adam Vinatieri 29-yard field goal, 1:06. Patriots 22–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:49.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 51-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 0:00. Patriots 22–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 1:06.
Third quarter
JAX – Andre Rison 41-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 11:33. Patriots 22–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:27.
NE – Adam Vinatieri 41-yard field goal, 1:35. Patriots 25–14. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:44.
JAX – Andre Rison 61-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mark Brunell run), 1:09. Patriots 25–22. Drive: 1 play, 61 yards, 0:26.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 27-yard field goal, 8:26. Tied 25–25. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 6:18.
Overtime
NE – Adam Vinatieri 40-yard field goal, 12:24. Patriots 28–25. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 2:36.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 23/39, 432 yards, 3 TD, INT
NE – Drew Bledsoe – 27/44, 255 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 2 rushes, 24 yards
NE – Curtis Martin – 24 rushes, 95 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Andre Rison – 4 receptions, 115 yards, 2 TD
NE – Terry Glenn – 6 receptions, 89 yards :

#### Week 5: vs. Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 14 |
| Jaguars | 14 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: September 29, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Hazy, 84 °F (29 °C)
* Game attendance: 71,537
* Referee: Gary Lane
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – James Stewart 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 9:20. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:38.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 8-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 1:59. Jaguars 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:58.
Second quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 13–0. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 0:16.
Third quarter
CAR – Mark Carrier 24-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein (kick failed), 10:38. Jaguars 13–6. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:13.
Fourth quarter
JAX – James Stewart 4-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 11:47. Jaguars 24–6. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:57.
CAR – Mark Carrier 3-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Kerry Collins run), 4:07. Jaguars 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 1:34.
Top passers
CAR – Steve Beuerlein – 15/30, 219 yards, TD
JAX – Mark Brunell – 15/27, 214 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
CAR – Anthony Johnson – 12 rushes, 31 yards
JAX – James Stewart – 12 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
CAR – Mark Carrier – 8 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 3 receptions, 67 yards :

#### Week 6: at New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Saints | 10 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: October 6, 1996
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 34,231
* Referee: Dick Hantak
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Mario Bates 1-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 5:35. Saints 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:17.
NO – Doug Brien 27-yard field goal. Saints 10–0, 2:26. Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 2:50.
Second quarter
JAX – James Stewart 21-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 4:42. Saints 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:36.
Third quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 38-yard field goal, 2:53. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:52.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 19-yard field goal, 5:15. Jaguars 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 7:44.
NO – Torrance Small 6-yard pass from Jim Everett (Doug Brien kick), 1:45. Saints 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 3:30.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 28/35, 250 yards, TD
NO – Jim Everett – 15/28, 161 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – James Stewart – 24 rushes, 79 yards, TD
NO – Mario Bates – 16 rushes, 39 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 8 receptions, 86 yards
NO – Torrance Small – 4 receptions, 59 yards, TD :

#### Week 7: vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 17 |
| Jaguars | 3 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: October 13, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 72 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,699
* Referee: Gerry Austin
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 35-yard field goal, 13:25. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:35.
NYJ – Adrian Murrell 14-yard pass from Frank Reich (Nick Lowery kick), 6:43. Jets 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 2:54.
Second quarter
NYJ – Wayne Chrebet 12-yard pass from Frank Reich (Nick Lowery kick), 14:52. Jets 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:37.
JAX – Mike Hollis 40-yard field goal, 7:27. Jets 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:45.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 15-yard pass from Mark Brunell (pass succeeded), 1:51. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 1:52.
Third quarter
JAX – Willie Jackson 41-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 6:19. Jaguars 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 1:22.
Fourth quarter
NYJ – Nick Lowery 20-yard field goal, 10:59. Jaguars 21–17. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:01.
Top passers
NYJ – Frank Reich – 23/43, 276 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
JAX – Mark Brunell – 14/23, 248 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
NYJ – Adrian Murrell – 21 rushes, 49 yards
JAX – James Stewart – 12 rushes, 55 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Wayne Chrebet – 12 receptions, 162 yards, TD
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 5 receptions, 135 yards, TD :

#### Week 8: at St. Louis Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Rams | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at TWA Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
* Date: October 20, 1996
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,066
* Referee: Dale Hamer
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
STL – Anthony Parker 92-yard interception return (Chip Lohmiller kick), 9:20. Rams 7-0.
STL – Chip Lohmiller 25-yard field goal, 7:08. Rams 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:01.
Second quarter
JAX – James Stewart 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 7:13. Rams 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 6:50.
Third quarter
JAX – James Stewart 8-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 11:26. Jaguars 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 2:04.
STL – Eddie Kennison 29-yard pass from Tony Banks (Chip Lohmiller kick), 6:44. Rams 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:42.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 37/52, 421 yards, 5 INT
STL – Tony Banks – 9/17, 129 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – James Stewart – 29 rushes, 112 yards, 2 TD
STL – Lawrence Phillips – 12 rushes, 37 yards
Top receivers
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 16 receptions, 232 yards
STL – Eddie Kennison – 2 receptions, 71 yards, TD :

#### Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Bengals | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 | 28 |
at Cinergy Field, Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: October 27, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 72 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 45,890
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
JAX – Mark Brunell 14-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 12:39. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:41.
CIN – Carl Pickens 11-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Pelfrey kick), 7:54. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 1:47.
Third quarter
JAX – Natrone Means 11-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 2:41. Jaguars 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:17.
Fourth quarter
CIN – Carl Pickens 10-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Pelfrey kick), 14:54. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:47.
CIN – Ki-Jana Carter 1-yard run (Doug Pelfrey kick), 6:10. Bengals 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:31.
CIN – Ki-Jana Carter 4-yard run (Doug Pelfrey kick), 3:32. Bengals 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:18.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 11-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 1:35. Bengals 28–21. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 1:57.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 18/31, 215 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
CIN – Jeff Blake – 19/30, 244 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
JAX – James Stewart – 14 rushes, 80 yards
CIN – Ki-Jana Carter – 8 rushes, 27 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
JAX – Andre Rison – 3 receptions, 74 yards
CIN – David Dunn – 3 receptions, 66 yards :

#### Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Ravens | 7 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
| Jaguars | 0 | 3 | 10 | 17 | 30 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: November 10, 1996
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear, 64 °F (18 °C)
* Game attendance: 64,628
* Referee: Jerry Markbeit
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BAL – Michael Jackson 5-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Matt Stover kick), 6:15. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 5:38.
Second quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 23-yard field goal, 6:33. Ravens 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 2:37.
BAL – Bam Morris 52-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Matt Stover kick), 5:39. Ravens 14–3. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:54.
BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, 0:05. Ravens 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 3:57.
Third quarter
JAX – James Stewart 10-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 12:53. Ravens 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:07.
BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, 7:01. Ravens 20–10. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:52.
JAX – Mike Hollis 33-yard field goal, 4:05. Ravens 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:09.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 24-yard field goal, 11:11. Ravens 20–16. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 5:40.
BAL – Derrick Alexander 21-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Matt Stover kick), 6:23. Ravens 27–16. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:48.
JAX – James Stewart 8-yard pass from Mark Brunell (pass failed), 3:50. Ravens 27–22. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 2:33.
JAX – Mark Brunell 1-yard run (pass succeeded), 0:41. Jaguars 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 1:50.
Top passers
BAL – Vinny Testaverde – 17/27, 253 yards, 3 TD
JAX – Mark Brunell – 24/37, 354 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
BAL – Bam Morris – 26 rushes, 109 yards
JAX – Mark Brunell – 7 rushes, 58 yards, TD
Top receivers
BAL – Derrick Alexander – 4 receptions, 65 yards, TD
JAX – Pete Mitchell – 6 receptions, 80 yards :

#### Week 12: at Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Steelers | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 17, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 47 °F (8 °C)
* Game attendance: 58,879
* Referee: Bernie Kukar
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
PIT – Yancy Thigpen 12-yard pass from Mike Tomczak (Norm Johnson kick), 13:21. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:11.
PIT – Jerome Bettis 3-yard run (Norm Johnson kick), 12:16. Steelers 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:05.
JAX – Mike Hollis 40-yard field goal, 0:00. Steelers 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 1:58.
Third quarter
PIT – Carnell Lake 85-yard fumble return (Norm Johnson kick), 8:18. Steelers 21–3.
PIT – Yancy Thigpen 27-yard pass from Mike Tomczak (Norm Johnson kick), 0:56. Steelers 28–3. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:15.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 28/47, 215 yards, 2 INT
PIT – Mike Tomczak – 7/24, 109 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – James Stewart – 14 rushes, 62 yards
PIT – Jerome Bettis – 21 rushes, 53 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Willie Jackson – 8 receptions, 69 yards
CLE – Yancey Thigpen – 4 receptions, 79 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 28 |
| Ravens | 7 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
* Date: November 24, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 50 °F (10 °C)
* Game attendance: 57,384
* Referee: Howard Roe
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BAL – Mike Caldwell 45-yard interception return (Matt Stover kick), 12:30. Ravens 7–0.
Second quarter
BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, 14:18. Ravens 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:58.
JAX – James Stewart 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 13:00. Ravens 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards, 1:18.
BAL – Matt Stover 29-yard field goal, 5:16. Ravens 13–7. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:44.
JAX – Mike Hollis 29-yard field goal, 1:03. Ravens 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:13.
BAL – Matt Stover 41-yard field goal, 0:06. Ravens 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 0:57.
Third quarter
BAL – Bam Morris 1-yard run (run failed), 10:39. Ravens 22–10. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:21.
BAL – Matt Stover 33-yard field goal, 1:35. Ravens 25–10. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:39.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Pete Mitchell 11-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 12:04. Ravens 25–17. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 4:31.
JAX – Willie Jackson 7-yard pass from Mark Brunell (run succeeded), 1:24. Tied 25–25. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 1:19.
Overtime
JAX – Mike Hollis 34-yard field goal, 5:54. Jaguars 28–25. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:05.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 28/46, 306 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
BAL – Vinny Testaverde – 31/50, 366 yards
Top rushers
JAX – Natrone Means – 10 rushes, 39 yards
BAL – Bam Morris – 22 rushes, 60 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 8 receptions, 131 yards
BAL – Michael Jackson – 9 receptions, 150 yards :

#### Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals | 7 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
| Jaguars | 13 | 3 | 11 | 3 | 30 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: December 1, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Steady rain, 71 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 57,408
* Referee: Tom White
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Mickey Washington 65-yard blocked field goal return (Mike Hollis kick), 11:28. Jaguars 7–0.
JAX – Mike Hollis 25-yard field goal, 6:24. Jaguars 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 4:00.
CIN – Carl Pickens 23-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Pelfrey kick), 3:26. Jaguars 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:58.
JAX – Mike Hollis 46-yard field goal, 2:05. Jaguars 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 1:21.
Second quarter
CIN – Doug Pelfrey 22-yard field goal, 11:35. Jaguars 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:30.
CIN – Carl Pickens 8-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Pelfrey kick), 7:27. Bengals 17–13. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:53.
JAX – Mike Hollis 40-yard field goal, 0:05. Bengals 17–16. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:34.
Third quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 39-yard field goal, 10:09. Jaguars 19–17. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:51.
CIN – Doug Pelfrey 34-yard field goal, 4:42. Bengals 20–19. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 5:27.
JAX – Keenan McCardell 48-yard pass from Mark Brunell (pass succeeded), 1:33. Jaguars 27–20. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 3:09.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 20-yard field goal, 2:04. Jaguars 30–20. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 5:44.
CIN – Carl Pickens 25-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Doug Pelfrey kick), 0:15. Jaguars 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 1:49.
Top passers
CIN – Jeff Blake – 23/39, 313 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
JAX – Mark Brunell – 21/34, 356 yards, TD
Top rushers
CIN – Garrison Hearst – 18 rushes, 78 yards
JAX – Natrone Means – 21 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
CIN – Carl Pickens – 7 receptions, 109 yards, 3 TD
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 7 receptions, 162 yards :

#### Week 15: at Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 7 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 23 |
| Oilers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 |
at Houston Astrodome, Houston, Texas
* Date: December 8, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 20,196
* Referee: Dick Hantak
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Natrone Means 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 8:56. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 6:04.
Second quarter
HOU – Ronnie Harmon 23-yard pass from Steve McNair (Al Del Greco kick), 11:33. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:38.
JAX – Mike Hollis 34-yard field goal, 1:49. Jaguars 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:04.
Third quarter
JAX – Natrone Means 5-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 1:00. Jaguars 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 4:31.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Eddie George 6-yard run (Al Del Greco kick), 13:11. Jaguars 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:49.
JAX – Mike Hollis 38-yard field goal, 6:13. Jaguars 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:57.
JAX – Mike Hollis 31-yard field goal, 1:56. Jaguars 23–14. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 1:25.
HOU – Al Del Greco 27-yard field goal, 0:11. Jaguars 23–17. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 1:45.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 15/25, 172 yards
HOU – Steve McNair – 24/37, 308 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – Natrone Means – 25 rushes, 67 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Eddie George – 16 rushes, 45 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 3 receptions, 68 yards
HOU – Chris Sanders – 7 receptions, 127 yards :

#### Week 16: vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Jaguars | 7 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 20 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: December 15, 1996
* Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear, 47 °F (8 °C)
* Game attendance: 66,134
* Referee: Red Cashion
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Jimmy Smith 12-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 2:05. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 6:10.
Second quarter
SEA – Todd Peterson 27-yard field goal, 10:29. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:36.
SEA – Ricky Proehl 10-yard pass from Rick Mirer (Todd Peterson kick), 0:36. Seahawks 10–7. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 5:04.
Third quarter
SEA – Todd Peterson 24-yard field goal, 1:54. Seahawks 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:57.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Jimmy Smith 39-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 14:53. Jaguars 14–13. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 2:01.
JAX – Mike Hollis 19-yard field goal, 9:55. Jaguars 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:25.
JAX – Mike Hollis 39-yard field goal, 2:48. Jaguars 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:21.
Top passers
SEA – Rick Mirer – 16/31, 156 yards, TD, INT
JAX – Mark Brunell – 19/26, 231 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
SEA – Lamar Smith – 16 rushes, 59 yards
JAX – Natrone Means – 23 rushes, 92 yards
Top receivers
SEA – Carlester Crumpler – 5 receptions, 58 yards
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 8 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 17: vs. Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Jaguars | 7 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: December 22, 1996
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear, 59 °F (15 °C)
* Game attendance: 71,449
* Referee: Dale Hamer
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
JAX – Mark Brunell 11-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 7:54. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 5:31.
Second quarter
ATL – Morten Andersen 46-yard field goal, 12:25. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 3:26.
JAX – Mike Hollis 23-yard field goal, 6:12. Jaguars 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 6:13.
JAX – Mike Hollis 26-yard field goal, 0:42. Jaguars 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 3:06.
Third quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 22-yard field goal, 8:11. Jaguars 16–3. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 6:49.
ATL – Eric Metcalf 4-yard pass from Bobby Hebert (Morten Andersen kick), 2:34. Jaguars 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:37.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 42-yard field goal, 13:00. Jaguars 19–10. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:34.
ATL – Craig Heyward 2-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:39. Jaguars 19–17. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 7:21.
Top passers
ATL – Bobby Hebert – 17/25, 172 yards, TD
JAX – Mark Brunell – 18/29, 222 yards
Top rushers
ATL – Craig Heyward – 16 rushes, 69 yards, TD
JAX – Natrone Means – 27 rushes, 110 yards
Top receivers
ATL – Bert Emanuel – 6 receptions, 67 yards
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 5 receptions, 75 yards :

### Standings

AFC Central :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(3)}$ Pittsburgh Steelers | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 344 | 257 | L2 |
| $^{(5)}$ Jacksonville Jaguars | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 325 | 335 | W5 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 372 | 369 | W3 |
| Houston Oilers | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 345 | 319 | W1 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 371 | 441 | L3 |

## Postseason
### Schedule

| Round | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| Wild Card | December 28, 1996 | at Buffalo Bills (4) | W 30–27 | 1–0 | Rich Stadium | 70,213 |
| Divisional | January 4, 1997 | at Denver Broncos (1) | W 30–27 | 2–0 | Mile High Stadium | 75,678 |
| AFC Championship | January 12, 1997 | at New England Patriots (2) | L 6–20 | 2–1 | Foxboro Stadium | 60,190 |

### Game summaries
#### AFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs (4) Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 10 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
| Bills | 14 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
at Rich Stadium, Buffalo, NY
* Date: December 28, 1996
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 70,213
* Referee: Gary Lane
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BUF – Thurman Thomas 7-yard pass from Jim Kelly (Steve Christie kick), 11:30. Bills 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:22.
JAX – Clyde Simmons 20-yard interception return (Mike Hollis kick), 6:26. Tied 7–7.
BUF – Thurman Thomas 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 2:26. Bills 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:00.
JAX – Mike Hollis 27-yard field goal, 0:10. Bills 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:16.
Second quarter
JAX – Natrone Means 30-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 3:45. Jaguars 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 84 yards, 3:03.
BUF – Steve Christie 33-yard field goal, 1:56. Tied 17–17. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 1:49.
Third quarter
BUF – Steve Christie 47-yard field goal, 10:20. Bills 20–17. Drive: 11 plays, 33 yards, 4:40.
JAX – Mike Hollis 24-yard field goal, 2:45. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 4:13.
Fourth quarter
BUF – Jeff Burris 38-yard interception return (Steve Christie kick), 14:17. Bills 27–20.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 2-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 8:40. Tied 27–27. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:37.
JAX – Mike Hollis 45-yard field goal, 3:07. Jaguars 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:06.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 18/33, 239 yards, TD, 2 INT
BUF – Jim Kelly – 21/32, 239 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
JAX – Natrone Means – 31 rushes, 175 yards, TD
BUF – Thurman Thomas – 14 rushes, 50 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Keenan McCardell – 4 receptions, 76 yards
BUF – Quinn Early – 9 receptions, 122 yards :

#### AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs (1) Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 30 |
| Broncos | 12 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 27 |
at Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO
* Date: January 4, 1997
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: Mostly clear, 46 °F (8 °C)
* Game attendance: 75,678
* Referee: Red Cashion
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DEN – Vaughn Hebron 1-yard run (kick failed), 6:22. Broncos 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 2:58.
DEN – Shannon Sharpe 18-yard pass from John Elway (pass failed), 0:33. Broncos 12–0. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:52.
Second quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 46-yard field goal, 11:15. Broncos 12–3. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:18.
JAX – Natrone Means 8-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 2:58. Broncos 12–10. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:21.
JAX – Mike Hollis 42-yard field goal, 0:10. Jaguars 13–12. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 0:47.
Third quarter
JAX – Keenan McCardell 31-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 8:51. Jaguars 20–12. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:18.
Fourth quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 22-yard field goal, 10:51. Jaguars 23–12. Drive: 17 plays, 88 yards, 8:32.
DEN – Terrell Davis 2-yard run (run succeeded), 7:37. Jaguars 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:14.
JAX – Jimmy Smith 16-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Mike Hollis kick), 3:39. Jaguars 30–20. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:58.
DEN – Ed McCaffrey 15-yard pass from John Elway (Jason Elam kick), 1:50. Jaguars 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:49.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 18/29, 245 yards, 2 TD
DEN – John Elway – 25/38, 226 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
JAX – Natrone Means – 21 rushes, 140 yards, TD
DEN – Terrell Davis – 14 rushes, 91 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Jimmy Smith – 3 receptions, 71 yards, TD
DEN – Ed McCaffrey – 5 receptions, 67 yards :
Considered one of the greatest upsets in NFL playoff history, the Jaguars (who were 14 point underdogs, and initially fell behind 12–0 in the first quarter, but led 13–12 at halftime) would stun the Broncos 30–27. Earlier in the day, Denver Post sports columnist Woody Paige referred to the Jaguars as the “Jagwads”, stating throughout the article that the Jaguars weren't worthy to travel to Mile High Stadium and play the Broncos. The Broncos had indeed been dominant during the regular season, going 13–3. The Broncos opted to rest most of their starters for the better part of the final month of the season, as they had secured the number one seed in the AFC Playoffs relatively early on in the regular season. Conversely, the Jaguars had battled their way into a Wild Card spot; and coming off of their upset road victory in Buffalo, were only further motivated by the general lack of faith in their chances. Mark Brunell threw for 245 yards with no interceptions, and two touchdowns, including a diving effort on third down by wide receiver Jimmy Smith with 3:49 left in the fourth quarter to put Jacksonville up 30–20. It was Natrone Means, however that was the star of the game. He ran for 140 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown, and subsequently relieved the pressure on Brunell and the Jaguars passing game. The Broncos would struggle all game to contain Means, whose longest run of the day was 21 yards. With this win, the Jaguars would go to the AFC Championship Game in just the second year of their existence.

#### AFC Championship: vs (2) New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Patriots | 7 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 20 |
at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, MA
* Date: January 12, 1997
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 27 °F (−3 °C)
* Game attendance: 60,190
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Curtis Martin 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 12:34. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:35.
Second quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 32-yard field goal, 10:33. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 6:03.
NE – Adam Vinatieri 29-yard field goal, 7:23. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:29.
NE – Adam Vinatieri 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 1:29.
Third quarter
JAX – Mike Hollis 28-yard field goal, 2:37. Patriots 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards, 5:39.
Fourth quarter
NE – Otis Smith 47-yard fumble return (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:24. Patriots 20–6.
Top passers
JAX – Mark Brunell – 20/38, 190 yards, 2 INT
NE – Drew Bledsoe – 20/33, 178 yards, INT
Top rushers
JAX – Natrone Means – 19 rushes, 43 yards
NE – Curtis Martin – 19 rushes, 59 yards, TD
Top receivers
JAX – Pete Mitchell – 7 receptions, 63 yards
NE – Shawn Jefferson – 4 receptions, 91 yards :

## Awards and records

* Mark Brunell, franchise record, most passing yards in one game, 432 yards (Sept 22, 1996)
* Mark Brunell, franchise record, most passing yards in one season, 4,367 yards
* Mark Brunell, led NFL passing yards, 4,367 yards
* Mark Brunell, Pro Bowl MVP Award
* Mike Hollis, franchise record, most field goals in one game, 5 field goals (December 1, 1996)
* Keenan McCardell, franchise record, most receptions in one game, 16 receptions (Oct 20, 1996)

### Milestones

* Keenan McCardell, 1,000 yard receiving season (1,129 yards)
* Jimmy Smith, 1,000 yard receiving season (1,244 yards)