JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, team reporter Kainani Stevens and correspondent John Shipley offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars’ 35-6 victory over the New England Patriots in a 2026 Week 3 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday

Oehser…

1. Impressive, important. The importance of the Jaguars' victory Sunday extended beyond the impressive – and very one-sided – result. Not only did the Jaguars frustratingly squander a 10-point lead last week in a loss to the Denver Broncos, the Patriots entered Sunday – being the defending AFC Champions – representing a very formidable, key test. Consider it very much passed. "It was a good response," Head Coach Liam Coen said. "It was the response we talked about all week, winning the game in all three phases." Making the Patriots formidable, too, was a playstyle that figured to test the Jaguars' identity as a physical, "grimy team." The Jaguars passed that test in remarkable fashion, playing smart and tough and gritty for two-and-a-half quarters before taking advantage of a third-quarter touchdown drive and a quick change to pull away for a convincing victory. Make no mistake: This was an important, impressive early-season victory for this team – the sort of victory that shapes a season. Many outsiders questioned the Jaguars following last week's loss to the Broncos. Those questions felt silly Sunday as the Jaguars showed again they are a legitimate contender – and a tough, resilient team that responds as good, contending teams do.
2. So good, so consistent, so often. Sunday was pretty much the definition of a team victory, with five players scoring touchdowns and myriad players contributing. Within that context, let's take a moment to acknowledge defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, who somewhat quietly has perhaps been the best Jaguars player on either side of the ball this season. Hamilton last week against the Broncos played what Coen on Sunday called one of the best games he ever has seen from a nose tackle. Hamilton followed that by leading a Jaguars run defense that set the tone Sunday, consistently forcing the Patriots into difficult down-and-distance situations that made it difficult for a struggling Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Hamilton wasn't the only reason the Jaguars won Sunday. He's also not the only reason this run defense is dominant. But he's a major reason that is too often overlooked. "I am just trying to give the glory to God," Hamilton said. "He has put me in this position. I am just taking advantage of it."

Sexton…

1. The Jaguars run defense is as good as it was last season, maybe better. A big storyline entering Week 3 was the running back tandem in New England that gashed the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 for 139 yards. But on Sunday, the Jaguars' run defense – led by Hamilton and linebackers Ventrell Miller and Foyesade Oluokun – held Patriots running backs Treveyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson to a combined 45 yards rushing on 15 carries. Hamilton in particular is playing as well as any defensive tackle in the NFL and posted five tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack on Sunday. The Jaguars haven't allowed a running back to gain at least 40 yards in a game this season, which is the longest such streak in team history.
2. The Jaguars solved the "problems" everyone was talking about last week. Need to see more from wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brenton Strange? How about a combined 10 receptions, 96 yards and a touchdown? In particular, it was good to see the chemistry return between Meyers and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Need more from wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter? How about a back-breaking interception in the end zone to kill a late second-quarter drive and electrify the defense – and the fan base at EverBank Field. The only thing the Jaguars didn't really get was the pressure on Maye that they sought. It was OK, but when defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker don't notch a sack, it feels like there is more work to be done. Credit reserve defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro for a big effort off the bench with six tackles and a sack. He was a force and could get more action moving forward.

Stevens…

1. A pretty win on a pretty day in Jacksonville. The Jaguars returned home Sunday and returned to their identity as a team that responds to adversity and dictates playstyle. After scoring just one touchdown in a loss to the Broncos in Week 2, the Jags scored five touchdowns on five red-zone possessions Sunday. The Jaguars' interior defensive line also registered two sacks and affected Maye. Scoring touchdowns instead of accepting field goals while forcing the Pats to kick field goals and keeping them out of the end zone for four quarters … Coen's team played smart football and took advantage of crucial moments for a well-deserved victory.
2. Much ado about nothing at corner. After last week's loss in Denver, much was made of Hunter's playing time compared to his teammates. Hunter played about 60 percent of defensive snaps versus the Broncos while Montaric Brown and Jarrian Jones both played more snaps at cornerback. This week, there should be less concern because Hunter played more and made big-time plays. Hunter registered his first NFL interception as he hauled in an errant Maye pass and he overall made his presence felt in the secondary. I expect the snap count to continue to rise for Hunter as he continues to rise to the challenge of playing two ways in the NFL.

Shipley…

1. Finding the balance. The Jaguars are at their best as an offense when they marry the rushing and passing attack enough to keep defenses on their heels. The Jaguars had that kind of balance against the Patriots, with running backs combining for 26 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns. When the Jaguars mix the pass and run and not let defenses key on any specific part of their attack, they have proven to be efficient and explosive – and it resulted in a terrific day for the offense on Sunday. This is the winning mix for the Jaguars' offense.
2. DaVon Hamilton's day. What a start to the season for Hamilton. One could make the argument he has been the MVP of the defense through the first three games of the season, putting together a stellar performance again Sunday. Hamilton recovered Maye's early fumble, nearly forced another Maye fumble, recorded a sack that was nearly a safety and was key to the Jaguars stopping the run yet again. Hamilton was fantastic for the Jaguars in Week 3, and it continues to look like he is just getting better.