Jaguars' wild kickoff vs. Eagles to start London game ends with 2 ejections

The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to a wild start to their London matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rookie Josh Cameron returned the kickoff to the end zone for a touchdown, but the play was wiped out because of a myriad of penalties. Along the way, one player from each team got ejected: Defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. for Jacksonville and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. for the Eagles.

There's no doubt that the first play of the game turned heads but for the wrong reasons.

The Jaguars saw Brian Thomas Jr. be disqualified vs. the Eagles

Already, Philly was playing with just 52 players, since right tackle Lane Johnson remains on the roster despite the fact that he announced his retirement just days before the game. To make matters worse, Jeremiah Trotter got disqualified and left the Eagles shorthanded for the game.

On the other hand, the Jaguars could most definitely overcome Bryan Thomas Jr.'s ejection. Sure, he's a key piece of their pass-rush rotation, but he just plays a few snaps every game. Sophomore Danny Striggow could most definitely see an uptick in playing time while he's out.

With Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen still in the mix, though, the Jacksonville pass-rush shouldn't suffer a step drop-off without Thomas.

As of this writing, the game is 0-0. Both teams have had a possession, but neither has been able to reach the end zone. Wide receiver Parker Washington changed that in Jacksonville's next possession, reeling in a 51-yard touchdown reception to put the Jags up 7-0.

You may also like: NFL insider brings clarity to Brian Thomas Jr.'s future in Duval

The Jaguars are off to a rough start to the London game vs. the Eagles

The Jaguars' issues didn't stop during the kickoff. Their first offensive drive left much to be desired, as they were flagged twice, a delay of game and a holding penalty by rookie Emmanuel Pregnon. Compounding the issue is that Trevor Lawrence lost a fumble that was eventually recovered.

Although the Jags didn't turn the ball over, they ended up punting. That was most definitely the kind of start Jacksonville expected, especially when you take into account that it's heavily favored to win the game.

The good news is that there's still plenty of time in the game for the Jaguars to take the lead. But they'd better take advantage of their chances. Otherwise, they're at risk of suffering a painful upste.

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