2024-25 Preseason Recap Of The Jacksonville Jaguars Game

The 2024-25 preseason has been an exciting time for Jacksonville Jaguars fans, offering a first glimpse of what the team might bring to the regular season. With new faces joining the roster and returning players looking to build on past successes, the preseason games provided valuable insights into the team’s development.

From standout performances to areas needing improvement, the Jaguars’ preseason journey has set the tone for what could be a pivotal year. In this recap, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from the Jaguars’ preseason games, highlighting emerging stars, strategic adjustments, and what fans can look forward to as the season unfolds.

August 10, Jacksonville Jaguars Vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off their 2024 NFL preseason with a 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The game showcased a strong performance from the Jaguars’ starting offense, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who completed 3 of 4 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown.

The Jaguars were boosted by a 73-yard kickoff return by Parker Washington, setting up Lawrence’s touchdown pass to Travis Etienne. The Chiefs’ starting offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, had limited action, while the Jaguars’ defense improved against the Chiefs’ second-string offense.

Backup quarterback CJ Beathard connected with Devin Duvernay for a 35-yard touchdown, and kicker Cam Little added two field goals. The Jaguars’ special teams and defense played key roles in securing the win, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.

As the Jaguars’ first game of the season, it was also a chance for rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to make an unforgettable debut. Even though he’s still so far away from the league’s top Wide Receiver, Tyreek Hill, considering that Tyreek Hill player odds for the Offensive Player of the Year award is +700, Thomas Jr. has shown amazing potential to the world.

In Saturday’s preseason opener, the No. 23 draft pick displayed the speed and ball skills that made him a highly sought-after talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. He pulled off a 41-yard highlight catch that sparked enthusiastic celebrations from the Jaguars sideline.

August 17, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mac Jones threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his position as Jacksonville’s backup quarterback in the Jaguars’ 20-7 preseason victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Filling in for Trevor Lawrence, Jones completed 16 of 23 passes, including touchdowns to Parker Washington and Brevin Easton.

He also demonstrated mobility, avoiding a sack with a slick move in the second quarter. Jones’ best plays included a 25-yard touchdown to Washington and a 31-yard touchdown to Easton, earning him a QB rating of 127.1.

C.J. Beathard, Jacksonville’s other backup QB candidate, completed 5 of 7 passes for 40 yards but was sacked three times before exiting with a groin injury. Coach Doug Pederson praised Jones’ performance, noting his intensity and leadership.

The Buccaneers, who practiced against the Jaguars earlier in the week, started Kyle Trask instead of Baker Mayfield. Trask completed 12 of 19 passes for 108 yards, including a touchdown, but the Bucs struggled to maintain momentum. Tampa Bay’s defense, however, showed strength with five sacks, including three by Jose Ramirez.

Jacksonville’s Tank Bigsby contributed 56 yards on 13 touches, while rookie kicker Cam Little made two field goals. Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin missed a 42-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. The win brings the Jaguars to 2-0 in the preseason, while the Buccaneers fall to 1-1.

August 23, Atlanta Falcons Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Atlanta Falcons ended their preseason with a 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing 0-3 in exhibition games. The Jaguars played their starters, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, through much of the first half.

At the same time, the Falcons rested most of their key players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, who did not play at all during the preseason.

With Atlanta’s starters sitting out, the game allowed third- and fourth-string players to showcase their abilities. Wide receivers Casey Washington and Chris Blair stood out with multiple receptions while running back Spencer Brown led the Falcons with 51 rushing yards. On defense, linebacker Donavan Mutin impressed with a game-high 18 tackles.

Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke struggled, completing 8 of 17 passes for 81 yards. Rookie John Paddock saw limited action, attempting just three passes. The Falcons will face tough decisions at quarterback and other positions as they approach roster cuts.

An exciting development was the use of cornerback Kevin King at safety, which could impact roster decisions, particularly with the injury to DeMarcco Hellams.

This shift might allow the Falcons to keep Hellams on the roster and provide flexibility in their secondary. As the Falcons prepare for the regular season, they focus on finalizing the roster and making critical decisions based on preseason performances.

Wrapping It Up

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024-25 preseason has showcased strong performances and valuable insights, setting a positive tone for the regular season. With standout plays from rookies and backups, the team has demonstrated depth and potential.

As the preseason wraps up, the Jaguars are well-positioned to build on their momentum heading into the season.