It was time for Leftwich to save the day again. Jacksonville took over from the Kansas City 24. Leftwich hit Smith for a 9-yard gain on first down. On second-and-one, third-and-one, and fourth-and-one the Jags would pass the ball. All three passes fell incomplete. Leftwich, who took a shot to the ankle during that possession, hobbled off the field.
The Jaguars offense left the field with just 3:47 left on the clock and no time outs remaining. Kansas City took over from the Jaguars own 33-yard line. They came out running. Priest Holmes was held to a two-yard carry on first down, then a two-yard carry on second down. On third down Holmes came up just short by gaining five yards. On fourth and one, Dick Vermeil sent out rookie Lawrence Tynes to attempt a 42-yard field goal. Tynes, who just missed an extra point minutes earlier, would miss the kick. Once again, Jacksonville had life.
Leftwich, who hobbled off the field, would have to hobble back on the field with 2:16 remaining, and no time outs. All it would take for the Jaguars to win the game was a field goal. Leftwich started the drive by completing three-of-four passes to Jimmy Smith, two for six yard gains and then a 12-yard gain. Leftwich dumped a pass off to Fred Taylor for a gain of three and that was followed by another completion, this time to Cortez Hankton for 12 yards and another first down. On first down, Leftwich hit Ernest Wilford for a 14-yard gain. Wilford got out of bounds for a first down and stopped the clock with a little under a minute to play. From the 14-yard line, Leftwich would throw a beautiful touch pass to Cortez Hankton who leaped above Dexter McCleon in the left corner of the end zone for the game winning touchdown. Deke Cooper intercepted a hail mary pass on the last play of the game.
It was yet another incredible comeback for the "Cardiac Jags." Leftwich lead his team to their third last-minute victory in six games. The Jags will head to Indianapolis for a pivotal divisional match up. Jacksonville lost on their home turf to the Colts just three weeks ago, 24-17. The Jags stayed in the game most of the way, but a late fourth quarter touchdown by Edgerrin James was the deciding factor.
It should be another close game, so just keep that cardiologist's number that Jack Del Rio referred to earlier in the season on speed dial for the time being.
