Jaguars vs. Bears: What you need to know about Sunday's NFL game

The Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. Sunday at TIAA Bank Field, the Jaguars' last home game of the 2020 NFL season. The Jaguars have lost 13 consecutive games, but after the New York Jets' upset of the Los Angeles Rams last week, Jacksonville now occupies the No. 1 slot in the 2021 NFL Draft and is in pole position to acquire the top-ranked prospect in the draft — which could mean Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Bears, behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC South, are still in the race to reach the 2020-21 playoffs.

|  Gene Frenette: With Trevor fever spreading, a Jaguars blowout loss never felt so good

By 4:15 p.m. Sunday, after the NFL’s lowest winning percentage franchise since 2010 absorbed a third consecutive blowout loss, a clear-blue sky and warm sun was still plenty visible over an emptied TIAA Bank Field.

Truthfully, for the long-suffering Jaguars’ fan base, that might turn out to be the most beautiful moment in their 26-year history.  

After their team was shellacked 41-17 by the Chicago Bears, and with the New York Jets securing a 23-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns about 20 minutes later, Jaguars’ fans could commence an outpouring of celebration in Jacksonville living rooms and across social media.  |  Read more  --Gene Frenette

|  Jaguars expand list of potential GM candidates

A league source confirmed former New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese was the first candidate to be interviewed for the vacant Jaguars general manager job two weeks ago.

Reese served as the Giants general manager from 2007 to 2017 and won two Super Bowls with the franchise when Tom Coughlin was the head coach.

NFL Network reported Sunday that Reese had already interviewed last week. The Jaguars interviewed former Houston Texans' general manager Rick Smith and ESPN's Monday Night Football analyst Louis Riddick last week.

Sources also confirmed the Jaguars could hire a head coach before a general manager is named to replace Dave Caldwell, who was fired on Nov. 29.  | Read more --John Reid

|  Jaguars' Dare Ogunbowale made key early plays in replacing James Robinson at running back

The Jaguars' first game without James Robinson at tailback started well enough. 

But the further the Jags fell behind the Chicago Bears on Sunday at TIAA Bank Field, the further they got from being able to control the game with the run behind second-team back Dare Ogunbowale -- a familiar problem for Robinson, who has gained 1,070 yards and scored seven touchdowns this season before missing his first game because of an ankle injury he suffered last week at Baltimore.  |  Read more  --Garry Smits

|  Bears' Allen Robinson, Cairo Santos have their own special homecomings in beating Jags

There were two kinds of holiday homecomings for Chicago Bears players at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday. 

Wide receiver Allen Robinson played his first game in Jacksonville since Christmas Eve in 2016, when he caught nine passes for 147 yards for the Jags in a 38-17 victory over Tennessee. 

And kicker Cairo Santos played his second career NFL game in Jacksonville, 41 miles from where he went to high school in St. Augustine, at St. Joseph Academy. 

Both had impressive games in the Bears’ 41-10 victory over the Jaguars.   |  Read more  --Garry Smits

|  Jaguars Report Card: Second-half collapse sends grades plummeting

Times-Union sports columnist Gene Frenette grades the Jaguars' performance against the Chicago Bears based on execution, effort and game circumstances.  |  Read more --Gene Frenette

| Jaguars keep hold of drivers' seat for No. 1 overall pick after 41-17 loss to Bears

Cheers erupted soon as Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky crossed the goal line on a 6-yard keeper Sunday. 

This wasn't Soldier Field or Bears Country. 

The Jaguars fans at TIAA Bank Field desired to see that all was well for the franchise to remain in the drivers' seat not to end a 13-game losing streak or dash the Chicago Bears' playoff hopes.

But a significant amount of fans, perhaps a majority, came to see Jaguars lose so they can hold onto the No. 1 pick ahead of the New York Jets to have the right to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the upcoming  April draft.

The Jaguars didn't let them down. They followed a similar script, buckling under after halftime in their  41-17 loss to the Chicago Bears in front of 17,445.  |  Read more --John Reid

Madness in the Meadowlands:Jaguars lock up top NFL Draft pick after Jets stun Browns

That's 14 losses in a row.

FINAL: Bears 41, Jaguars 17.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Chicago gets the ball at the 6 with 55 seconds remaining.

Mike Glennon is flagged for intentional grounding deep in the backfield for an enormous loss. The Jaguars will punt. This one is almost over.

TWO-MINUTE WARNING: Bears 41, Jaguars 17

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: Mike Glennon and the offense go back onto the TIAA Bank Field turf for what might be the last time for many of them.

That's a three-and-out for the Bears, and almost another interception for Joe Schobert.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Chicago starts from the 25 with about four minutes to play.

TOUCHDOWN JAGUARS: Chicago 41, Jacksonville 17

One for the too little, too late category. But Laviska Shenault comes down with the leaping grab on the pass to the end zone from Mike Glennon, the first Jaguars score since the first half.

The Jaguars' offense is at least moving across midfield on passes to DJ Chark and Tyler Eifert. But Chark was forced to limp to the sidelines after taking a low hit.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: The Jacksonville offense gets the football at the 35. 

Nick Foles is into the ballgame against his former team. But the Bears' offense doesn't make any progress as the clock ticks down.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: The Chicago offense takes over after the punt.

The Jaguars' drive breaks down again — Danny Trevathan nearly recorded another interception — and that means another punt. Meanwhile, the Browns have cut the Jets' lead to 20-16.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: Mike Glennon and the offense take possession again in a game that has gotten completely away from this team.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS: Chicago 41, Jacksonville 10

Artavis Pierce makes it look easy on the 3-yard touchdown rush. That's 31 consecutive points for the Bears in a woeful second half for the Jaguars.

Chicago is knocking on the door again. Artavis Pierce bursts down inside the Jacksonville 5.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: Bears 34, Jaguars 10

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Chicago takes over near midfield after a punt followed by an unnecessary roughness penalty on former Oakleaf High School linebacker Shaquille Quarterman for the Jaguars.

It's a three-and-out, again, for the Jaguars. Danny Trevathan sacked Mike Glennon to ruin another possession in a miserable third quarter for the Jaguars.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: The Jaguars take over from their 30.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS: Chicago 34, Jacksonville 10

The Bears, who have struggled badly in past third quarters this year, are making it look easy. Mitchell Trubisky finds a wide-open Jimmy Graham from 22 yards out in the corner of the end zone.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Prime field position once more for the Bears.

INTERCEPTION: It's happened again: Mike Glennon is picked off on another pass over the middle, once more by Roquan Smith. This one came off the deflection, and the Bears are in business in Jacksonville territory.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: The Jacksonville offense takes over from its own 25 with a growing deficit.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS: Chicago 27, Jacksonville 10

It's becoming another rout: David Montgomery runs up the middle from 4 yards in the third quarter. The Jaguars are closing in on a 14th consecutive loss — and they're on the verge of clinching the No. 1 slot in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Allen Robinson is totally dominating this Jaguars secondary in his Jacksonville return. His latest catch advances the ball inside the 25. 

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Crunch. The Bears muff the punt return but fall on the loose ball near their 30. But the Jaguars are penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit.

Mike Glennon is very fortunate to escape after a screen pass that hits lineman Bilal Nichols in the hands. But the Bears defender can't hold on. That's going to mean a punt.

It's now a 20-3 lead for the Jets against the Browns — a result that would nearly lock up the No. 1 draft spot for the Jaguars.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: The Jaguars take over with fairly good field position at the 30 after a Bears penalty on the kickoff.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS: Chicago 20, Jacksonville 10

The deficit is two scores: Mitchell Trubisky rolls right and into the end zone from 6 yards. The Jaguars trail by two scores.

Now David Montgomery carries the ball inside the Jacksonville 10. 

Mitchell Trubisky can't connect with Anthony Miller on the third-down pass, but the Bears convert to Allen Robinson on fourth down.

A short pass to David Montgomery goes for the big gain for Chicago, down to the Jaguars' 40 to begin the half.

START OF THIRD QUARTER: The Bears take the ball just outside their 20.

HALFTIME RECAP

That's halftime. It's been a showcase of some not-very-consistent quarterback play on both sides, particularly toward the end of the half, where Mitchell Trubisky and Mike Glennon traded ugly picks of wildly differing types. Against a 1-13 Jaguars team with next to nothing to play for, the Bears — who could still qualify for the postseason — looked a long way from playoff material.

DJ Chark's sideline touchdown catch might go down among the top receptions of the season for the Jaguars, who will gladly welcome highlights in a dismal year.

Dare Ogunbowale put together a few nice carries for the Jaguars' offense in place of the injured James Robinson. Left tackle Cam Robinson left briefly during the first half but returned to the game.

As far as the draft situation is concerned, there's more favorable news from the Meadowlands, where the Jets are leading the Browns 13-3 late in the second quarter. That result would leave the Jaguars in the No. 1 draft slot, whatever the outcome at TIAA Bank Field.

HALFTIME: Chicago 13, Jacksonville 10

FIELD GOAL BEARS: Chicago 13, Jacksonville 10

Cairo Santos, from St. Joseph, makes the 42-yarder on his return to the First Coast as the clock runs out.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Chicago has the football on about the 30. 

INTERCEPTION: The Jaguars return the football with 7 seconds before the break. Mike Glennon is picked on a pass over the middle by Roquan Smith. The Bears linebacker drops the ball on the run-back but recovers it.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: Jacksonville takes over on the 25.

INTERCEPTION: Joe Schobert picks off a desperate Mitchell Trubisky heave into a crowd in the end zone. Not clear at all what QB was trying.  With the Bears in field goal range, no good reason to release that one. 

With less than a minute until halftime, the Bears are inside field goal range.

The Bears get a completion across midfield to Allen Robinson. Meanwhile, in a score with major draft implications for the Jaguars, the Jets are leading the Browns 13-3.

TWO-MINUTE WARNING: Bears 10, Jaguars 10

That's a Bears first down to near midfield.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Dustin Colquitt's punt goes to the Chicago 33, and the Bears are flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Fake punt: Andrew Wingard takes the direct snap for a first down, but the Jaguars are flagged for holding. Nice hop by the safety in the open field.

A third-down pass comes up short and the Jaguars will now be lining up to punt.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: The Jacksonville offense gets the football at the 28.

That's a three-and-out and Chicago will be punting the football.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: The Chicago offense takes over from the 25.

TOUCHDOWN JAGUARS: Jacksonville 10, Chicago 10

It's a terrific catch by DJ Chark, leaping high to bring in the Mike Glennon pass along the left sideline and getting his feet down in bounds midway through the second quarter.

That's another pass to Keelan Cole at the 20 and this offense is starting to find a rhythm.

Keelan Cole catches the Mike Glennon pass over the middle and the Jaguars' offense is across midfield. 

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: Nathan Cottrell runs the kickoff back to the Jacksonville 31.

FIELD GOAL BEARS: Chicago 10, Jacksonville 3

The pass to Allen Robinson is out of bounds — the receiver couldn't get his feet down inside the sideline on the Mitchell Trubisky fade pass — and the Bears will call for the kicking unit.

Mitchell Trubisky overthrows a pass in the end zone, but the Jaguars are flagged for defensive pass interference and the Bears are right on the goal line now.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Bears 7, Jaguars 3

Yes, Jaguars fans know it well: This team can't cover tight ends. Jimmy Graham is left wide open and catches a pass down inside the Jacksonville 40.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: The Chicago offense goes to work now from its own 35.

A third-down pass to D.J. Chark glances off the receiver's hands, with a hit on the way from former Jaguar Tashaun Gipson, and that means a punt.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: Chris Claybrooks returns the kickoff out to the Jacksonville 22.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS: Chicago 7, Jacksonville 3

That's a touchdown and the end of a pretty easy opening Bears drive. Mitchell Trubisky has a large window to find Jimmy Graham on the slant. St. Joseph Academy graduate Cairo Santos boots the extra point and the Jaguars are now behind again on the scoreboard (and, yes, that means they're back at No. 1 in the draft order).

David Montgomery takes the handoff and sweeps right for a big gain down inside the Jacksonville 20.

Allen Robinson makes a couple of good catches for the Bears to pick up first downs and cross the midfield line.

START OF BEARS DRIVE: Chicago takes over on its own 25.

FIELD GOAL JAGUARS: Jacksonville 3, Chicago 0

Aldrick Rosas boots the field goal through from 26 yards and it's a 3-0 lead for the Jaguars. 

The third-down pass to Tyler Eifert bounces away and we'll see the kicking unit now.

Zoom. Dare Ogunbowale, in for the injured James Robinson, runs for a gain of 26, and the Jaguars are quickly inside field goal range.

A couple of first downs early for the Jaguars on passes to Tyler Eifert and D.J. Chark. Chark had to stretch to keep the low Mike Glennon pass from hitting the ground.

START OF JAGUARS DRIVE: The Jacksonville offense starts from the 21.

KICKOFF TIME: The Jaguars' Nathan Cottrell returns the kickoff to his 21, and that's where Mike Glennon and the offense will go to work.

The QBs are ready to go.

|  Gene Frenette: Trevor fever should convince NFL owners to adopt draft lottery

They say timing is everything, and there’s no doubt this forthcoming proposal would be received far more enthusiastically by Jaguars’ fans if I unveiled it last week or around Thanksgiving when the idea first came to mind.

But since the previously winless New York Jets pulled off that stunning 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams, making the Jaguars the new clubhouse leader based on schedule tiebreaker for presumptive No. 1 NFL draft pick Trevor Lawrence, this is going to get a big thumbs down from the black-and-teal faithful.

So be it, here goes: the NFL owners should take a page from the NBA book and hold a draft lottery.   |  Read more--Gene Frenette

|  Sam Kouvaris: Expect the unexpected in NFL Draft

It makes perfect sense for Jaguars fans to want the number-one pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence is poised to be the top pick next April and create a building block for some NFL franchise in the future. Fans will want the Jaguars to lose their final two games to Chicago and Indianapolis and ensure Lawrence would soon be in teal and black.

But Jaguars players and coaches don’t think that way. In fact, no players and coaches think that way.  | Read more  --Sam Kouvaris

 | Jaguars veteran Mike Glennon wins open QB competition battle against Gardner Minshew

Veteran quarterback Mike Glennon beat out Gardner Minshew in this past week's open competition battle and will start Sunday against the Chicago Bears in the home finale at TIAA Bank Field. 

Coach Doug Marrone had Glennon and Minshew split first-team reps throughout the week, saying he wanted to see which one could better execute the game plan to give them their best opportunity to win.

Minshew started last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens for the first time since Oct. 25, but he had only 53 yards passing in the first half as the Jaguars trailed 26-0. Minshew ended up passing for 226 yards, but he was sacked five times and lost a fumble after getting stripped by former Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue during their embarrassing 40-14 loss.  |  Read more --John Reid

| Jaguars vs. Bears: RB James Robinson ruled out for Sunday's game

Jaguars running back James Robinson did not practice for the entire week due to an ankle injury he sustained last week against the Baltimore Ravens. He was initially listed as questionable Friday but was downgraded Saturday to out for Sunday's game. If he plays in next week's finale at Indianapolis, Robinson would need 35 yards to break Dominic Rhodes’ NFL record for most rushing yards (1,065) by an undrafted rookie.     Read more --John Reid

|  Jaguars vs. Bears: Keys to victory

THE JAGUARS WILL WIN IF ... The defense has a good day stopping the run and keeps David Montgomery from having the kind of day he had last week against the Vikings; and if the offensive line starts opening some holes for the ground game.   |  Read more --Garry Smits

 |  How to watch Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears Week 16 on TV, live stream

The Jacksonville Jaguars, currently in the lead for the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, will try to snap a 13-game losing skid Sunday when they face the Chicago Bears in their home finale.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.  |  Read more --Dan Rorabaugh