Jaguars vs. Falcons 2024 Preseason Week 3

ATLANTA, Ga. – Senior writer John Oehser examines five key plays from the Jaguars’ 31-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in a 2024 Preseason Week 3 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Friday

1. Efficient and smooth. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has impressed in recent weeks, and he continued that in a big way early Friday. The Jaguars’ first-team offense moved efficiently on the Falcons’ reserve defense on the first offensive series. The key play was a perfect pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to Thomas – the No. 23 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft – for a 38-yard gain that turned first-and-15 from the Jaguars 29 into first-and-10 at the Falcons 33. Lawrence threw to tight end Evan Engram in the back of the end zone for a six-yard touchdown that capped a nine-play, 92-yard drive and gave the Jaguars a 7-0 lead with 7:01 remaining in the first quarter. Key to this drive were two strong runs from running back Travis Etienne Jr. for seven and 19 yards on the first two plays. “That was something we made an emphasis this off season, and it’s paying off,” Lawrence said of the running game. “Hats off to the guys up front, the running backs, the tight ends – the receivers, too. It’s physical from those guys up front, and the tight ends blocking, the receivers and the backs running. Those guys have bought in and made it go. You can see the improvements. We just have to keep getting better, though.”