“It feels great where we’re at,” Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said. “We also understand that we haven’t won anything yet. We’re 6-2. It’s a great spot to be in. We’ve been on a great run, but we have to keep carrying the momentum when we come back.”
Lawrence completed 24 of 32 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown with an interception in the second quarter that prevented Jacksonville from taking a two-score lead.
The Jaguars drove into Steelers territory on nine of 10 possessions, with Etienne’s score the lone touchdown. They committed three turnovers in Steelers territory, including two in the red zone.
“It’s a testament to us just making plays when we have to,” Lawrence said, adding of the three giveaways in the first three quarters: “That’s never the formula.”
Added Lawrence, “We moved the ball consistently all day, which was great against a really good defense. But we just have to find ways to finish those drives.”
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 10 of 16 passes for 73 yards and no touchdowns with no interceptions. He sustained a rib injury late in the first half, with Mitchell Trubisky completing 15 of 27 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in his place.
The Jaguars registered three sacks and two takeaways Sunday, with outside linebacker Travon Walker registering one in the first quarter and outside linebacker Josh Allen adding one early in the third quarter and another in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars now have 16 sacks and 18 takeaways this season, and Allen has nine sacks for the season.
Safety Andrew Wingard’s fourth-quarter interception set up McManus’ game-clinching fourth field goal and safety Antonio Johnson intercepted a long pass on the game’s final play.
“There’s a mindset over there now,” Pederson said of the defense. “There’s a confidence over there. Everything just translates to what you see on game day and it’s a credit to them.”
Said Wingard, “We just go out and play one game at a time, but we know we can compete with anybody.”