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As it happenedended1540745109

Eagles vs Jaguars, NFL London 2018 - as it happened: Carson Wentz leads Philadelphia to victory at Wembley

Here's how it all played out at Wembley Stadium

Ben Burrows
Sunday 28 October 2018 17:07 GMT
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Match preview for Eagles vs Jaguars NFL game at Wembley

The Philadelphia Eagles delivered when it mattered to down the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium to keep themselves well and truly in the NFC playoff race.

Carson Wentz's fourth quarter touchdown throw to tight end Zach Ertz proved decisive as the world champions outlasted the hometown Jags 24-18 in front of a capacity crowd in London.

They move to 4-4 to keep themselves in the hunt in the NFC East. Conversely Jacksonville, who fall to 3-5, see their hopes of returning to the sharp end in the AFC take another hit with this defeat a fourth in a row.

Here's how it all played out on Sunday:

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Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the final Wembley game of the NFL season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Philadelphia Eagles in a game neither can afford to lose.

The Jags head to London off the back of a three-game losing streak and need to get things right if they're return to the AFC title game as they did a season ago. They need QB Blake Bortles to pick his play up, however, after a torrid stretch.

The Super Bowl champions lost themselves a week ago after blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter to the Carolina Panthers. But with Carson Wentz looking sharp once more the outlook looks good, provided they get the W today.

We will have all the latest build-up for you right here so don't touch that dial.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 12:03
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Wembley is looking perfect.

After some early morning rain conditions look like they're going to be ideal.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 12:20
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In case you missed it, the late build-up to this one has been centred around the late night activities of some of the Jaguars secondary.

Four players, as yet officially named, were arrested in the early hours after allegedly failing to pay a bar tab at a London nightclub.

The Jaguars are investigating. Here's the latest.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 12:32
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This one, as ever, figures to be all about the QBs.

Carson Wentz was an MVP candidate a year ago before his season was ended by a severe knee injury. After missing the opening two games Wentz has returned renewed and despite some early struggles has looked closer to his best in recent weeks. His opening three quarters last week are the best he's played since 2017. The less said about his fourth quarter the better, however.

In contrast Blake Bortles started the season on fire, putting to bed some of the many criticisms that have come his way over his young NFL career. But as the season has continued Bortles' play has worsened climaxing in an unceremonious benching a week ago against the Texans. He remains on a short leash with back-up Cody Kessler taking first team reps in practice this week. A situation to watch for sure.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 12:45
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The teams are in and they are as expected for the most part.

Running back Leonard Fournette is out once again and will be hoping the bye week next week is enough to get him fully healthy. The absence of corner AJ Bouye figures to be a bigger problem.

For the Eagles Haloti Ngata returns in a boost for an already fearsome front seven.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 13:00
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The atmosphere is building now with the players on the field for their pre-game warm-ups.

The capacity crowd will certainly be hoping to get a repeat of what they saw a week ago when the Chargers eventually prevailed over the Titans thanks to a last-gasp defensive stand.

If you missed that one, here's our wrap up. 

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 13:15
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Jaguars 0-0 Eagles

Right then, off we go. It's the Eagles who will take possession of the ball first up.

So here comes Carson Wentz with the rest of his offense. Wendell Smallwood gets the start at running back ahead of Corey Clement and it's a nice gain on first. Wentz needs three for a first but his first pass attempt of the afternoon is batted down. 

Wentz again on third down and - again - his pass is batted, but the ball pops straight back to him and he catches and rushes for the first. What a play.

Eagles on the move.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 13:39
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Jaguars 0-0 Eagles

Eagles pushed back via penalty and nothing doing on second either.

Philly need 14 to move the chains. Jags send the house and oh so nearly get there before somehow Wentz gets it away to the waiting Jordan Matthews. 

Wow. That's what Wentz gives you. So elusive. Only a handful of QBs in the game can make that play.

He can't get away this time though as the Jacksonville rush gets there and hits him behind his back as he throws. The officials rule fumble and Telvin Smith scoops up and rumbles back towards Eagles territory.

Not for the last time today, this one is going upstairs. 

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 13:44
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Jaguars 0-0 Eagles

Well, well, well. That is big. The official call stands as a fumble and here comes Blake Bortles for the first time this afternoon.

That's not an auspicious start, however, as Bortles fumbles the very first snap of the day. That's better though as, on third down, he takes off and gets the seven he needs and a bunch more for a Jacksonville first down.

Off he goes again and that's another chunk of yardage on first. He may not be able to pass with the best of them but for all his faults Bortles does make you defend every inch of the field. 

Philly needs to start spying him or he'll make them pay. 

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 13:49
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Jaguars 3-0 Eagles (Field goal - Lambo)

Carlos Hyde, acquired a fortnight ago from Cleveland, is into the game and here's his first carry as a Jaguar. It's a good one too as he rumbles for seven. 

That's how Jacksonville want to play, plenty of ground and pound early and often. Got to keep the ball out of Bortles' hands as much as possible in truth.

Nothing there for Hyde though and it'll be field goal time.

It's a 50-yard attempt for Josh Lambo... and it's good.

Jags up 3-0.

Ben Burrows28 October 2018 13:52

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