Jaguars QB Room Receives Encouraging Surprise During 2nd Preseason Game

Saturday night, the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-7 in their second game of the NFL Preseason. Earlier in the week, Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson announced that Mac Jones and CJ Beathard would each have a half to show who deserved the backup QB job more. In the end, Jones was the signal caller who separated himself by a wide margin. This development gives Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke another difficult situation to manage this offseason.

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The Jaguars' QB Situation Heading Into Saturday

Going into 2024, Trevor Lawrence is the Jaguars' unquestioned starter at QB. The Jaguars signed Lawrence to a five-year contract extension that should keep him in Jacksonville until the 2030 season. Some criticized this contract, however, as the fourth-year player's performance regressed in every major category last season. In 2023, Lawrence only threw for 4,016 yards, 21 TDs, and 14 INTs. However, the front office recognized the role injuries played when evaluating the rising star's potential over the long term.

To mitigate the risk of said injuries, Baalke traded a late round pick to the New England Patriots for the rights to Mac Jones. Since the trade, Jones' profile has risen in Jacksonville. The Bolles School legend is a local hero and connects well with Jacksonville's fanbase and local community. As such, it's not surprising that a sizable contingent of supporters want Jones' homecoming to last more than a summer.

Mac Jones Excels As Second-Best QB In Jacksonville

Against the Buccaneers, Jones completed 16 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. This performance was strong enough to earn Jones a 127.1 QB rating and separate himself from the other signal callers who took the field on Saturday. Ironically, Jones would not have produced such a performance if Beathard had not left the game with a groin injury.

Beathard's inability to finish Saturday's game is a sobering sign that Jacksonville must prioritize youth and mobility at the backup QB position. Jones' showing against Tampa Bay included reps where he was able to leave the pocket and get the ball out of his hands. The local product's ability to keep plays alive will be critical since the Jaguars' woeful offensive line is returning many of its players from last season.

Final Thoughts

Doug Pederson should select Mac Jones to be the Jacksonville Jaguars backup QB in 2024. Jones is a former first round pick who made the playoffs and Pro Bowl his rookie year. Things in New England soured quickly, but it appears Jones has regained his confidence after returning home. Baalke would be unwise to cut Jones at the end of the preseason and let him hit the waiver wire. Beathard is an experienced veteran who played well when asked to relieve Lawrence last season. However, it's time for Jacksonville to make a "win now" move and ensure they have two first round talents manning the QB room in September.

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Article originally written by Dallas Glenn