There were more combined punt yards (553) than offensive yards (542) in Jacksonville’s 20-7 victory over Tampa Bay on Saturday night, a feat that perhaps should have been expected as the Jaguars and Buccaneers sat their starters for Week 2 of the 2024 preseason.
Mac Jones started at quarterback for the Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence and most of the first-team offense sidelined following joint practices with the Buccaneers this week.
In over a half of playing time, Jones completed 16-of-23 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, with long scoring throws to wide receivers Parker Washington in the second quarter and Brevin Easton in the fourth.
Jacksonville went 8-of-11 on third down with Jones behind center, with only two failed conversions in his half as a starter. One was dropped by wide receiver Elijah Cooks on a crossing route, well past the line to gain and near midfield.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson complimented Jones for his showing during the game. His competition for Jacksonville’s backup quarterback role, C.J. Beathard, played in the second half but exited early with a groin injury, leading to Jones’ reinsertion and second score of the night.
“I think he’s doing some good things. He’s staying composed,” Pederson said of Jones during an in-game interview with Brent Martineau of Action Jax Sports.
“We missed a big third down that would have been great to get but I think he’s seeing the field, he’s making good strong accurate throws and I believe he’s playing well.”
Beathard went 5-of-7 for 40 yards, taking three sacks but adding 10 yards over two rushes.
12 different Jaguars receivers caught a pass with Austin Trammell leading the team in receptions (four) and yards (75).
Defensively, defensive ends Breeland Speaks and Joe Gaziano, the latter of which signed with the Jaguars Friday, and defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo produced Jacksonville’s biggest impact plays against the pass, with one sack apiece.
Jacksonville’s coverage team played soundly, too, limiting Tampa Bay passers Kyle Trask and John Wolford to just 4.8 yards per attempt combined.
The Buccaneers averaged a solid 4.8 yards per rushing attempt but largely abandoned the running game into the second half.
Jacksonville will wrap up its preseason on the road next week, with the Jaguars heading to Atlanta to face the Falcons on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
