Jaguars Not Curious About George

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —  Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George and the Houston Oilers made enough big plays to build a big lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The defense finally caught on in time to save the game.

George, the No. 6 pick in the draft, had a 76-yard run that led to Chris Chandler’s third touchdown pass, and the defense came up with two turnovers in the final three minutes to preserve a 34-27 victory.

The Oilers (1-1) lost seven of eight games last year that were decided by seven points or fewer, and opened the season last week with a 20-19 loss to Kansas City.

‘We made it close,” said Coach Jeff Fisher. “We found a way to make a play at the end to win the football game.”

Mike Hollis had just missed a 31-yard field goal for the Jaguars--their second time inside the 20 yard line in the second half without a touchdown--and they had Houston facing first and 20 from the 11.

Seemingly trapped in the backfield on a draw, George avoided tackles by Jeff Lageman and Joel Smeenge, eluded safety Travis Davis and raced to the 13.

That set up Chandler’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Willie Davis for a 31-13 lead.

“That gave the whole team a lift,” said safety Blaine Bishop. “With a big burst like that, you could sense that this game was over. The defense almost gave it back, but we came up with the big plays when we had to.”

The Jaguars (1-1) made it close when Chris Hudson returned a punt 46 yards to the three-yard line, and Keenan McCardell made a juggling catch for a touchdown to make it 34-27.

Dave Thomas recovered the onside kick, but Mark Brunell’s pass on the first play after the two-minute warning bounced high off Mitchell’s hands, and Marcus Robertson dove for the interception at the 10-yard line.

George finished with 17 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown.

Brunell was 27 for 38 for 302 yards. The Jaguars had no trouble moving the ball, but Houston’s defense came up with timely plays twice inside the 20.

At first and 10 from the 11-yard line with Houston leading, 17-10, Gary Walker broke through the line and stuffed James Stewart for a three-yard loss. The Jaguars then were called for procedure and settled for a 37-yard field goal.

“We didn’t make enough plays. We were down there a couple of times and have nothing to show for it.” Coach Tom Coughlin said.