In a Week 2 preseason matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured a 20-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, thanks largely to an impressive performance by quarterback Mac Jones. Jones, who is vying for the backup spot behind starter Trevor Lawrence, took a significant step towards securing the job with a stellar outing, throwing for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
Jones, who was acquired by the Jaguars in a March trade, got the starting nod in place of Lawrence and made the most of his opportunity. He completed 16 of 23 passes and showcased his mobility, scrambling six times and executing a nifty duck-under move on Buccaneers linebacker Vi Jones to avoid a sack in the second quarter.
His first touchdown pass came on a third-and-17 play, where he connected with wide receiver Parker Washington for a 25-yard score, capping a methodical 17-play drive. Washington, who has been making a name for himself this preseason, finished with three receptions for 38 yards, adding to his impressive 73-yard kickoff return last week against Kansas City.
Jones returned in the fourth quarter after backup C.J. Beathard was ruled out with a groin injury. He continued to impress, lofting a perfect 31-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brevin Easton, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. Jones finished the game with a quarterback rating of 127.1, solidifying his case as the leading candidate for the backup quarterback role.
Beathard, who has been dealing with injuries, completed 5 of 7 passes for 40 yards but was sacked three times. The Jaguars view Jones as an upgrade over the 30-year-old Beathard, who struggled with a nagging shoulder issue last season.
The Buccaneers, who are now 1-1 in the preseason, gave starting duties to Kyle Trask, with Baker Mayfield sitting out. Trask completed 12 of 19 passes for 108 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cody Thompson. However, the Buccaneers’ offense struggled to find consistency against a Jaguars defense that held firm throughout the game.
Both teams opted to rest most of their starters after two joint practices earlier in the week, focusing instead on giving their backups and roster hopefuls a chance to shine. For Jacksonville, the night belonged to Mac Jones, who moved one step closer to securing the coveted backup quarterback position as the regular season approaches.
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