JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One down and two more to go. Preseason games can sometimes be a let down but this game was surprising, fun and filled with most of the things I would have put on my wish list to see going in. Here are my Four Cents from Saturday’s 26-13 win over the Chiefs in the preseason opener.
Hop on the hype train
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Parker Washington has been maybe the most hyped Jaguars player through the offseason. From wide receiver coach Chad Hall to Trevor Lawrence, they have all sung Washington’s praises. If the first preseason game is any indication, the hype is for real. Washington broke what, at the time, was the longest kickoff return so far through the preseason. Washington still has plenty of room to grow but the reason for the hype is clear.
Washington was a guy I loved during last year’s draft even before the Jaguars drafted him. He flashed some as a rookie now he is flashing again. There isn’t a clear pathway to playing time for Washington but his skill set is different from the Jaguars top guys so that could earn him some reps here and there. If there is an injury, Washington is a guy they will be excited to see more of on the field. That is pretty good for a guy who was a sixth-round pick a year ago.
Devin Duvernay!
I expected Devin Duvernay to make his impact felt, but I didn’t think it would be as a receiver. Duvernay is a far better receiver that I expected him to be going in. He has made plays down the field throughout training camp and maybe came up with the catch of the night. It was only one catch for 35 yards, but it was enough. This guy is good. I’m not sure why he wasn’t used more in Baltimore but don’t be surprised to see some deep shots thrown Duvernay’s way this season.
A glimpse of things to come
It is starting to look like there is a theme here. Going into the night if there was a wish list of things Jags fans wanted to see happen. A big catch from Brian Thomas Jr. would have been at the top! Well, ask and BTJ shall receive. Not the biggest night, just one catch for 41 yards, but again sometimes one catch is enough. The throw was behind and probably should have had a flag for defensive pass interference but that wasn’t a problem for BTJ. Plays like that are why the Jags drafted him. The receiver room is talented. The team flipped it quickly. I think this is the best group of receivers that Lawrence has had to work with in his career. From Christian Kirk at the top to Parker Washington as WR No. 5, that is a dangerous bunch.
No big injuries
Ultimately, the goal in preseason is always to make it out healthy. The Jaguars did that while seeing progress and the flashes are great. Lets keep the main thing the main thing, and health is that main thing. That means it was a good day for the Jaguars as they get ready for joint practices with Tampa Bay. Joint practices will tell the story of the roster far more than this game did. If the guys that shined on Saturday (Duvernay, Washington, BTJ, Tank Bigsby and Mac Jones) continue to shine during the week then it will be time really let the hype trains roll out of control but for now, call it a hype train filled with controlled optimism.