NFL Preseason, Focus on Jaguars Starts With Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville is looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs despite being the AFC South favorite heading into 2023. Let’s keep it simple as the Jaguars season will depend on the health of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

New season, new team dog! 🐾 What should we name him?@Dream_Finders | @k9sforwarriors pic.twitter.com/aDkMa5ngK5

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) July 8, 2024

There were rumblings that Lawrence was playing through multiple injuries last season. With the emergence of C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, Lawrence will need to be back at his best for the Jags to compete for the AFC South crown.

Here’s a look at what you need to know about the Jaguars heading into the preseason.

4 Players to Watch in Jaguars’ Preseason Games

1. How Healthy Does QB Trevor Lawrence Look?

Lawrence is unlikely to get a ton of reps (if any) in the preseason. Selfishly, we’d love to see how Lawrence plays for a few series.

The Jaguars need Trevor Lawrence to be great. @Jasonfitz and @YahooSchwab break down how likely that is 👀 pic.twitter.com/nJt8rftt20

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 5, 2024

NFL teams have become increasingly fearful of their starting quarterbacks getting injured in an exhibition game. Even if Lawrence does not play, there is still intrigue at the position as the Jaguars acquired former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.

This is not a quarterback competition after Lawrence was signed to a five-year, $275 million contract in the offseason, but Jones needed a fresh start. Let’s see how both Lawrence and Jones look in preseason action.

2. Gabe Davis Has Chance to be a Key Part of Jaguars Offense

One of the big off-season additions in Jacksonville was bringing Gabe Davis back to Florida. A trio of Davis, Christian Kirk and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is pretty intriguing.

Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/p7TK7lHe0B

— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) June 3, 2024

Despite the additions, the Jags are still second in the NFL betting odds to win the AFC South at +270 behind the Texans, who are listed at +105. This is a solid bet, and something tells me that Jacksonville is going to give Houston a serious challenge for the division.

3. Can Rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. Be a Big Threat?

It’s not just Davis that should bolster the Jags offense. Jacksonville selected former LSU standout Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 23 overall pick.

Brian Thomas Jr. will be a crucial part of Trevor Lawrence’s development

He’s exactly what he needed, Tlaw to take that next step last year and disappointed many but finally has the weapons with some offensive line help 🎯pic.twitter.com/14pU8b31JN

— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) July 8, 2024

With the addition of Davis and Thomas, the pressure is on Lawrence to perform. The Jaguars have plenty of offensive weapons that should enable the team to compete in the AFC South.

4. We’re Excited to See If RB Tank Bigsby Can Bounce Back in Year 2

Running back Tank Bigsby underwhelmed in his rookie season in Jacksonville. Travis Etienne Jr. should still hold onto the RB1 role.

Every Tank Bigsby target from 2023 pic.twitter.com/3y4yJDZ9qA

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 15, 2024

We should see a heavy dose of Bigsby in the preseason as the team rests Etienne. Here’s hoping Bigsby can top his modest 132 total rushing yards in 2023.

The Jaguars’ win total is set at an over-under of 8½, a little low in the NFL odds if you ask me. If you can visualize a bounce-back season for the Jags, there are plenty of enticing bets available.

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