photos by: JUAN MOORE/outlook news
written by: JASON MCDONALD & JUAN MOORE/outlook news
The Jacksonville Jaguars close out their preseason with a commanding victory, showcasing a polished performance led by Trevor Lawrence and the starting lineup.
In a preseason game that can only be described as a statement, the Jacksonville Jaguars concluded their warm-up campaign with an emphatic 31-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. This wasn’t just a win; it was a message sent to the rest of the NFL. The Jaguars are not merely arriving in the 2024 season—they’re coming with momentum, confidence, and a hunger to prove they belong among the elite.
From the opening drive, it was clear that the Jaguars were treating this preseason finale as more than just a tune-up. While the Falcons opted to rest their starters, Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson made the calculated decision to play his starters, barring a couple of key exceptions—defensive lineman Arik Armstead and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun. The goal was to build rhythm, solidify execution, and set the tone for Week 1. The results were exactly what Pederson and his coaching staff hoped for.
The Jaguars’ first-team offense wasted no time imposing their will on the Falcons’ second-string defense. Trevor Lawrence, entering his fourth year and poised to take the next step in his development, looked every bit the franchise quarterback Jacksonville envisioned when they drafted him first overall. On the very first drive, Lawrence orchestrated a methodical nine-play, 89-yard march down the field, culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Engram. The chemistry between Lawrence and Engram, which had been a focal point of offseason speculation, was on full display.
But Lawrence and the offense weren’t done. On the very next possession, they picked up right where they left off. This time, a 13-play, 62-yard drive ended with Lawrence finding Engram again, this time for a five-yard touchdown. The efficiency, precision, and tempo of the Jaguars’ offense were striking. Lawrence completed his first six passes, looking every bit the composed and confident leader the Jaguars need him to be. He finished his night with an impressive stat line: 8-of-10 passing for 92 yards and two touchdowns, all in just two drives.
“It was clean. Happy with it. Obviously, there is always going to be some stuff to learn from and a couple plays for sure that we can get better from and correct, but I thought it was good,” Lawrence said during a sideline interview in the fourth quarter. “I thought the guys came ready to play and were physical, detailed, sharp, and that is what you want.”
Lawrence’s performance was not just about numbers; it was about setting a tone. His biggest play of the night, a 38-yard strike to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., showcased his ability to push the ball downfield and make big plays when needed.
Of course, a quarterback is only as good as his supporting cast, and Lawrence’s teammates rose to the occasion. Running back Travis Etienne, expected to be a key cog in the Jaguars’ offense this season, looked sharp, rushing seven times for 46 yards. His burst through the line and ability to make defenders miss were on full display, giving Jaguars fans a glimpse of what could be a breakout season for the young back.
Wide receiver Parker Washington also made his presence felt, hauling in four catches for 36 yards. His ability to create separation and make plays after the catch added another dimension to the Jaguars’ offense. And while the spotlight was on the starters, back-up runningback Tank Bigsby showed why he’s been turning heads all through training camp. Bigsby, who got some run with the first-team offense, carried the ball eight times for 40 yards, demonstrating both power and agility.
Backup quarterback Mac Jones, who was acquired in the offseason to solidify the Jaguars’ depth chart, also put together a solid outing. Jones completed 13 of his first 18 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown, a 13-yard strike to wide receiver Elijah Cooks, which helped the Jaguars take a commanding 21-0 lead into halftime. Jones’ performance should give the coaching staff confidence that they have a reliable option should Lawrence miss any time during the regular season.
Defensively, the Jaguars were just as dominant. Even without Armstead and Oluokun, the starting unit stifled the Falcons at every turn. The Jaguars’ defense held Atlanta to just 92 total yards in the first half, forcing five punts and a turnover on downs. Travon Walker, the Jaguars’ first-round pick from last year, was particularly disruptive, recording a sack and a pass breakup. Walker’s ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the Falcons’ passing game was a key factor in the shutout.
Chad Muma and Roy Robertson-Harris, stepping in for Oluokun and Armstead, respectively, also made their presence felt. Muma, in particular, showed great range and tackling ability, leading the team with five tackles in the first half. Robertson-Harris added a key pass deflection, helping to maintain the defensive intensity that the Jaguars will need as they head into the regular season.
With the final whistle, the Jaguars could walk off the field with their heads held high. A 31-0 victory, even in the preseason, is nothing to scoff at. It’s a testament to the preparation, focus, and execution that Pederson and his coaching staff have instilled in this team.
Now, the attention shifts to the regular season. The Jaguars will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, and they’ll do so with momentum on their side. But before that, Tuesday’s cut day looms large. Tough decisions await as the Jaguars trim their roster down to 53 players. While some battles have been decided on the field, others will be determined in the meeting rooms as Pederson and his staff finalize the team that will carry Jacksonville’s hopes into the 2024 season.
But if this preseason finale was any indication, the Jaguars are more than ready. Ready to compete. Ready to win. And, most importantly, ready to show that the rebuild in Jacksonville is complete. The Jaguars are here, and they’re ready to make noise in the AFC.