In an early test of strength and strategy, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured a 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in their 2024 NFL preseason opener. The game, held on Saturday night at TIAA Bank Field, saw the Jaguars outmaneuver the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, but the headline of the evening was the injury sustained by Chiefs receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
Marquise Brown, who joined the Chiefs on a one-year, $7 million contract in March, was expected to be a key asset for Kansas City this season. However, his debut was cut short after he landed awkwardly on his shoulder following an 11-yard reception on the opening play. Brown was immediately taken to a local hospital, where it was confirmed that he had dislocated his clavicle—a sternoclavicular joint dislocation, the same injury that sidelined former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill for four games in 2019. Coincidentally, Hill’s injury also occurred on the same field during a regular-season opener against the Jaguars.
Head coach Andy Reid expressed concern over the injury, noting that Brown’s condition could have significant implications for the Chiefs as they prepare for the upcoming season. “It’s tough to see a guy like Marquise go down,” Reid said. “We’ll evaluate and see what the next steps are, but it’s a setback for sure.”
The Jaguars made the most of their opportunities, especially on special teams, where Parker Washington showcased his talent. Washington, a second-year player drafted in the sixth round from Penn State, delivered the longest return under the NFL’s new kickoff rules—a dazzling 73-yarder that set up an early touchdown. Washington’s return, filled with ankle-breaking moves that left at least five Chiefs tacklers in the dust, brought the crowd to its feet and energized the Jaguars’ sideline.
Trevor Lawrence, starting at quarterback for Jacksonville, capitalized on the momentum. Four plays after Washington’s return, Lawrence connected with running back Travis Etienne for a 9-yard touchdown, giving the Jaguars an early lead and the two biggest highlights of the game.
Washington wasn’t done, however. He added a 13-yard punt return and a 10-yard catch, slipping past Chiefs defenders and further solidifying his role as the Jaguars’ No. 4 receiver behind Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Jacksonville’s coaching staff has been high on Washington since training camp, and his performance in this game only bolstered those expectations.
Kansas City’s starting lineup, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, played only a single series before being sidelined for the remainder of the game. Mahomes led the Chiefs into field-goal range but the drive stalled when Rashee Rice dropped a critical third-down pass. The Chiefs managed to put up points but struggled to maintain momentum without their starters.
Jacksonville’s defense and special teams kept the pressure on, and C.J. Beathard’s 44-yard touchdown pass to speedster Devin Duvernay in the second half effectively sealed the game. The Chiefs’ issues on special teams were further highlighted when Mecole Hardman mishandled a kickoff that led to a safety, putting the Jaguars up 18-10.
Both teams had high hopes for their rookies in this preseason matchup. Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr., the 23rd overall pick from LSU, made a spectacular 41-yard catch despite tight coverage from Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson thought a pass interference penalty should have been called on the play, but it didn’t detract from Thomas’ impressive grab, his only reception of the night.
On the other side, Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy, selected just five picks after Thomas, had a quieter evening. Although he started the game, he wasn’t targeted, leaving his potential contributions for another day.
For the Jaguars, the win was a confidence boost and a showcase of their depth, particularly on special teams. Head coach Doug Pederson praised his team’s effort but emphasized the importance of building on this performance as they head into the regular season.
For the Chiefs, the loss and Brown’s injury were stark reminders of the challenges that lie ahead. Kansas City will need to regroup and address the issues that surfaced in this preseason opener, particularly on special teams and depth at the receiver position.
As both teams continue their preseason journeys, the lessons learned from this game will undoubtedly shape their preparations for the upcoming NFL season.
