written by: CHUCK GEORGE/outlook news
photos by: JUAN MOORE/outlook news
JACKSONVILLE, FL – In the fleeting, yet crucial world of NFL preseason football, the spotlight shines not on the superstars, but rather on the unsung heroes – the reserves and newcomers tasked with delivering when their numbers are called. And on a warm Saturday night in Jacksonville, the depth and potential of the Jacksonville Jaguars was on full display as they pulled off a stunning 26-13 victory over the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
While the final score may seem trivial in the grand scheme of the exhibition season, the game offered a tantalizing glimpse into the Jaguars’ roster – a team eager to build on last year’s playoff appearance and prove they are no mere fluke.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the prized No. 1 overall pick just two years ago, saw limited action, completing 3-of-4 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown to running back Travis Etienne. But it was the supporting cast that truly stole the show, providing Head Coach Doug Pederson and his staff with a wealth of promising options as they finalize their 53-man roster.
One of the brightest sparks came from second-year wide receiver Parker Washington, who shined on special teams with a dazzling 73-yard kickoff return to set up the Jaguars’ first score. Washington’s combination of speed and elusiveness evoked memories of veteran return man Jamal Agnew, and if the young wideout can bring that game-breaking ability to the regular season, it will undoubtedly alleviate some of the pressure on Lawrence and the offense.
Washington wasn’t content to be a one-trick pony, either. He added a 13-yard punt return and a 10-yard reception, showcasing the kind of versatility that could make him an invaluable chess piece in Pederson’s system.
Another player who appears primed for a breakout campaign is running back Tank Bigsby. After a promising but inconsistent rookie year, the second-year back looked determined to silence any doubters, ripping off a 19-yard run and nearly breaking free for a 45-yard kickoff return touchdown in the final minute of the first half. Bigsby’s combination of power and vision, coupled with the reliable presence of D’Ernest Johnson, could form a potent one-two punch to complement the Jaguars’ passing attack.
But the star of the night just might have been first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. The LSU product, tasked with helping fill the void left by the departures of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones, announced his arrival in style, beating Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams for a 41-yard reception from backup quarterback C.J. Beathard. It was a tantalizing glimpse of the big-play ability that made Thomas a hot commodity in the draft, and a promising sign that he can develop into a reliable target for Lawrence.
Thomas wasn’t the only newcomer making an impact, as Beathard found fellow wideout Devin Duvernay for a 35-yard touchdown just before halftime, showcasing the kind of chemistry and playmaking that could earn Duvernay a roster spot.
But it wasn’t just the offense that shined for the Jaguars. The defense, led by new coordinator Ryan Nielsen, had its share of standout moments, including a sack by 2023 draft pick Yasir Abdullah and a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown by cornerback Christian Braswell (which was unfortunately overturned). These young defenders are helping to set the tone for a unit that aims to take a major step forward this season.
While a preseason victory over the mighty Chiefs may not carry the same weight as it would in the regular season, the Jaguars’ performance offered a tantalizing glimpse of the team’s depth and potential. These are the players who will be counted on when the stakes are at their highest, and their ability to deliver in these moments could be the difference between another playoff appearance and an early exit.
Jaguars fans have endured their fair share of disappointment over the years, but the future appears brighter than it has in a long time. With Lawrence continuing to develop, and a supporting cast of hungry, talented reserves ready to seize their opportunity, the Jaguars could be poised to take the AFC by storm in 2024.
While a single preseason game may not tell the whole story, the Jaguars’ triumph over the Super Bowl Champs was a resounding statement: This is a team with the talent and the depth to compete with the best in the league. And if these reserves can maintain their preseason form when the real games begin, the Jaguars might just be a team worth watching in the months to come.