SPORTS | What we learned from the Jaguars’ preseason opening win

The Jaguars’ 26-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs to open the preseason shouldn’t be used as a reason to proclaim the Jags as immediate title contenders, but there were some positive steps that came from the preseason-opening victory.

Here are three positives and one negative from Saturday night’s game:

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ passing game looked good

Lawrence played just two series and completed three of four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown pass to Travis Etienne. The touchdown drive was aided by a long kickoff return (more later). Lawrence connected on passes to a tight end (Luke Farrell), a running back (Etienne) and a wide receiver (Gabe Davis). He also looked in control of the offense. We shouldn’t expect any less at this point in his career, but it was the kind of start you want from your quarterback in the first preseason game.

Lawrence may not play this coming Saturday since the Jaguars and Buccaneers are holding combined practices this week. His next and final preseason action could come on Aug. 23 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Second-year players shine

The Jaguars got limited contributions from the rookie class last year. Aside from offensive lineman Anton Harrison, who started all season at right tackle, the rest of the draft class didn’t impact the team consistently. But now in their second year, the 2023 draft class is showing signs of promise.

Second-round pick Brenton Strange caught just one pass on Saturday night. But third-round pick Tank Bigsby, who has received positive reviews in camp, was one of the stars of the night. Bigsby, a former Auburn running back, gained 28 yards on three carries, including a 19-yard gallop.

Safety Antonio Johnson, a fifth-round pick last April, will also play a key role, likely as a starter.

If Bigsby wasn’t the star of the night, then it was former sixth-round pick Parker Washington, who set up the Jaguars’ first touchdown with a 73-yard kickoff return. Washington also caught a 10-yard pass.

None of these accomplishments should turn these players into stars, but they are all good starts for players who could make a difference this season for the Jaguars.

A winning start

Results don’t count in the preseason, but the games matter. Especially to the players trying to earn roster spots and win position battles. To open the season against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions offered the Jaguars a great chance to face an experienced and well-coached team.

Preseason records rarely equate to regular season records, but if the Jaguars are going to return to the playoffs, they’ll need to play better than they did in the preseason opener. That’s what preseason games are there for, to show where teams must improve. This brings us to the biggest negative from the game.

Offensive line questions persist

The Jaguars had to start a patchwork offensive line because of injuries. Blake Hanse started at left guard in place of Ezra Cleveland (leg injury), and Walker Little started at right tackle in place of Anton Harrison (concussion). That impacted the offensive line depth as well. The Jaguars surrendered two sacks, one of Lawrence and one of backup QB Mac Jones.

More troubling was the lack of a running game, particularly early in the game. Etienne ran four times for just three yards. The Jaguars focused on becoming a more physical team this offseason. They’ll need to show more in the next two preseason games.

Their next chance to show improvement comes on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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