NFL

Jaguars hold back stars, still romp into playoffs

Deon Grant says the Jags can "shut a lot of people's mouths."

JACKSONVILLE - The Jaguars postponed quarterback Byron Leftwich's return until the postseason.

Leftwich will start next week's playoff game at two-time defending champion New England, replacing David Garrard after a six-week layoff because of a broken left ankle.

Even without their leader, the Jags scored 27 in the first half behind Garrard and won their eighth in nine games.

Jacksonville, which trailed in the second half in each of the past four games, scored touchdowns on its first two possessions, took advantage of two Titan turnovers and essentially sealed the win on Derrick Wimbush's 6-yard TD run with 4:11 left in the second quarter.

"Two different things happened: We came out and executed real well from the start and they basically gave up and started looking ahead," tight end Kyle Brady said.

The Jaguars learned early they will play the Patriots on Saturday.

"We're going against the defending champs," safety Deon Grant said. "You can't ask for anything more than that. We can go up there and shut a lot of people's mouths. If we go up there and be focused and play our game, we'll come out and take care of them boys."

NOTABLE: Jaguars running back LaBrandon Toefield ran for a career-high 102 yards and had a touchdown.

[Last modified January 2, 2006, 04:03:43]