Jaguars rue missed chances in playoff loss to Kansas City

By DAVE SKRETTA The Associated Press

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid speaks with Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson after an NFL divisional round playoff football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ed Zurga]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars could not have imagined a better situation than the one they faced late in the first half of Saturday’s divisional-round playoff game against the mighty Kansas City Chiefs. They were within striking distance late in the first half and the Chiefs had watched Patrick Mahomes hobble off with an ankle injury. But letdowns by the Jacksonville defense, and two turnovers in the waning minutes, kept the Jaguars from rallying for a second consecutive playoff victory.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) works under pressure by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) during the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jeff Roberson

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is helped after injury against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Charlie Riedel

Jacksonville Jaguars center Tyler Shatley (69) sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Charlie Riedel