Despite another season of 40 or more wins (Jacksonville was 42-22-7 in the regular season) the Icemen lost for the fifth time in five playoff seasons to Florida. The Everblades have ended Jacksonville’s seasons in 2019, 2022, ’23-’25.

Out to prove that they’d narrowed the gap in the rugged top tier of the AFC, the Jaguars showed that they’re still a step or two behind.