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Jacksonville, FL- While the 24-13 scoreboard didn’t necessarily favor the Jacksonville Jaguars in Friday’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, the starters’ performances were exactly the opposite.
The Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled against the Jaguars defense. He finished 1-for-5 for seven yards on three drives. One of those drives ended with a lost fumble by running back D’Ernest Johnson that was recovered by veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin.
Trevor Lawrence ended his night completing 6-for-12 with 90 yards and a touchdown as well as 11 rushing yards on three drives that accounted for all 13 points. However, it was his poise that stood out.
He completed one of his passes to newcomer wide receiver Zay Jones for a 32 yard-play on the opening drive. His lone touchdown went to the newly acquired tight end Evan Engram for nine yards.
The second-year quarterback credited his offense’s success to the communication developed among free agents, veterans and rookies alike.
Running back Travis Etienne might have been the most intriguing story of the night seeing his first action since missing the entire 2021 season due to injury. Absorbing contact while finding holes and getting hit in the backfield, his toughness was matched by his agility as he finished the night with nine carries for 23 yards and one reception for 10 yards.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that Etienne’s biggest struggling was trying to create some paths that weren’t there on the play. This is something that Pederson believes will correct itself with experience.
After the starters left the game, the Jaguars struggled to score. They committed three turnovers throughout the rest of the game.
The Jaguars host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Saturday at 7:00 pm eastern.