Jaguars Edge Out 49ers 26-21 in Thriller: Turnovers and Special Teams Seal Dramatic Win

Santa Clara, California – In a nail-biting Week 4 showdown at Levi's Stadium on September 28, 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars stunned the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers with a 26-21 victory, handing the hosts their first loss of the season. Both teams entered at 3-0, but Jacksonville's opportunistic defense and explosive special teams turned the tide, forcing four turnovers and capitalizing on them for 17 points. The win propels the Jaguars to 3-1, marking their first road triumph over the 49ers in three all-time meetings, while the 49ers slip to 3-1, exposing vulnerabilities in ball security.

Defensive Slugfest: Jaguars Draw First Blood

The game kicked off with a defensive slugfest, but Jacksonville struck first in the second quarter. After Brock Purdy's interception – his first of two on the day – Trevor Lawrence connected with tight end Hunter Long on a 4-yard touchdown pass, putting the Jaguars up 7-0.

49ers Rally: McCaffrey Evens the Score

The 49ers responded swiftly, marching 75 yards capped by a 12-yard run from Christian McCaffrey, tying it at 7-7. However, Jacksonville's momentum surged when Parker Washington ignited the stadium with an 87-yard punt return touchdown – the Jaguars' first since 2017 – extending the lead to 14-7 at halftime.

Third Quarter Fireworks: Kittle Knots It Up

The third quarter saw San Francisco claw back. Purdy, shaking off early miscues, orchestrated a 68-yard drive ending in a 21-yard touchdown toss to George Kittle, knotting the score at 14-14. The Jaguars regained control on their next possession, as running back Travis Etienne broke free for a 48-yard scamper, setting up a 2-yard plunge to make it 21-14.

Opportunistic Defense: Field Goal Pushes Lead

A strip-sack by Dennis Gardeck on tight end Luke Farrell's fumble provided another short field, leading to a 35-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey, pushing the advantage to 24-14.

Fourth Quarter Chaos: Turnovers and Tensions

Drama peaked in the fourth. The 49ers mounted a furious rally, with Purdy hitting Jake Tonges for a 21-yard score with 7:41 left, trimming the deficit to 24-21. Jacksonville answered with a drive stalled at midfield, but Aubrey's 42-yard field goal made it 26-21. In the final minutes, Purdy engineered a game-tying threat, but Arik Armstead – the former 49er now with Jacksonville – delivered a strip-sack, recovered by Foyesade Oluokun to ice the game. Tensions boiled over post-whistle, with a sideline scuffle between coaches Liam Coen and Robert Saleh over alleged sign-stealing.

Standout Stats, Injuries, and Reflections

Statistically, Lawrence was efficient at 18-of-25 for 174 yards and one TD, while Etienne dominated on the ground with 124 yards on 19 carries. Washington's return TD was the game's spark. For San Francisco, Purdy finished 22-of-38 for 309 yards and two TDs but was plagued by three turnovers. McCaffrey added 89 rushing yards and a score, but the miscues proved fatal.

Injuries marred the affair: Jaguars' DE Travon Walker (wrist) and S Eric Murray (neck) exited early, while 49ers' WR Ricky Pearsall left with a knee issue.

Post-game, Lawrence reflected, “It was a complete game for us... We’re finding ways to win and we still feel like we can grow a lot as an offense.” Armstead, savoring revenge, said, “Can’t write a better script... It was a pretty special day.” Purdy admitted, “As an offense we have to play better... That hurts.”

This gritty win underscores Jacksonville's resilience under Coen, setting up a clash with Kansas City next. For the 49ers, it's back to the drawing board before facing the Rams on Thursday. The NFC West just got tighter.