NFL

Jacksonville sews up bid by avenging 2004 defeat

By wire services
Published December 25, 2005

HOUSTON - The Jaguars remembered what the Texans did to them last year. They were determined not to let it happen again.

Jacksonville clinched its first playoff berth since 1999 by scoring three fourth-quarter touchdowns. That helped diminish the memory of a 21-0 loss to Houston last year on Dec. 26 that dashed their playoff hopes.

The Jaguars trailed 13-10 at halftime.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy," Jacksonville receiver Jimmy Smith said. "But we've become a second-half team this year. ... (We) have matured enough to be poised and do whatever we have to do to come away with a win."

It was the sixth game this season the Jaguars won after trailing at halftime.

Fred Taylor's 15-yard touchdown with just more than nine minutes left gave Jacksonville a 24-20 lead.

NOTABLE: Texans defensive end Gary Walker injured his triceps in the first quarter and did not return.

[Last modified December 24, 2005, 23:43:13]