photos by: JUAN MOORE/outlook news
written by: TAYLOR M. HOLMES/outlook news
JACKSONVILLE, FL – On a humid Saturday night at EverBank Field, the Jacksonville Jaguars offered a glimpse of the depth and determination that could make them one of the most formidable teams in the NFL this season. While the starters rested and watched from the sidelines, it was the backups who stole the show, leading the Jaguars to a decisive 20-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason game.
With a perfect 3-0 preseason record last year, the Jaguars are now 2-0 in 2024, and much of the credit goes to backup Quarterback Mac Jones, the hometown kid who was a standout QB at Bolles High School and University of Alabama. After an unceremonious departure from the New England Patroits, Jones has found a new rhythm in Jacksonville, and his performance on Saturday night was nothing short of impressive. Commanding the offense with poise and precision, Jones orchestrated multiple scoring drives, proving he could be a valuable asset when the regular season kicks off.
From the opening whistle, the Jaguars’ defense set the tone. They stifled the Bucs’ offense, allowing just 16 yards on five plays and forcing a quick three-and-out. The message was clear: the Jaguars were ready to dominate, and they did so on both sides of the ball.
Despite a missed opportunity on an early play-action pass to Elijah Cooks, Jones quickly found his groove. He capped off the Jaguars’ first drive with a methodical, 17-play, 80-yard march that chewed up nearly 10 minutes of the clock. The drive culminated in a 25-yard touchdown pass to Parker Washington, showcasing Jones’s ability to stay patient, read the defense, and deliver a strike when it mattered most.
The Buccaneers, led by Kyle Trask, managed to respond with a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. But Jones and the Jaguars did seem to be fazed. They answered back with a seven-play, 49-yard drive, highlighted by a 26-yard field goal from Cam Little, who has been a standout in the preseason. Little later added a 44-yard field goal to extend the Jaguars’ lead to 13-7.
The Jaguars’ offense, driven by the steady hand of Jones and the powerful running of Tank Bigsby, continued to pile up yards, while the defense, anchored by standout performances from Chad Muma and Ventrell Miller, suffocated the Bucs’ attack.
In the fourth quarter, after backup quarterback C.J. Beathard exited with a groin injury, Jones re-entered the game and immediately led the Jaguars on another scoring drive. This time, he connected with Brevin Easton for a 31-yard touchdown, putting the game out of reach and sealing the Jaguars’ victory.
Jones’s performance was a resounding statement about his readiness and potential to contribute in Jacksonville. While Trevor Lawrence remains the face of the franchise, the depth and talent displayed by the Jaguars’ second unit, led by Jones, suggest that this team is equipped to handle the rigors of a long NFL season and emerge as a legitimate contender.
The Jaguars’ defense, with its aggressive and disciplined approach, looked every bit as fierce as advertised. The offense, balanced and explosive, operated with a level of efficiency that bodes well for the regular season. And the depth—highlighted by Jones’s leadership—might be the secret weapon that propels Jacksonville to new heights in 2024.
Saturday night’s victory was more than just a preseason tune-up. It was a declaration that the Jaguars are ready to compete with the best. With a roster this deep, and a backup quarterback like Mac Jones who can seamlessly step in and execute, Jacksonville is sending a clear message to the rest of the NFL: they are ready to make some serious noise this season.
The countdown to the regular season is on, and if the Jaguars can carry this momentum forward, they could very well be on the path to making a deep playoff run. As they prepare for what promises to be a thrilling campaign, one thing is certain: the Jaguars are not just looking to participate—they’re looking to dominate.