Jaguars should feel great about Mac Jones while veteran QBs struggle in the preseason

The Jaguars upgraded their quarterback room when they traded for Mac Jones earlier this year. They finally got to see him take the field, along with Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard when they faced the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason. Based on how the former Alabama product fared, the Jags should feel thrilled about their depth behind center, especially when you take into account that several veteran signal-callers across the league struggled in the opener.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports drew up a list of winners and losers from Week 1 of the preseason. Jacksonville didn't pop up in either category but he placed several backup quarterbacks in the losers column.

"Vying for relevance in Atlanta, Taylor Heinicke struggled to find a rhythm in relief of rookie Michael Penix Jr. with the Falcons. And Easton Stick was just as erratic filling in for an injured Justin Herbert with the Chargers. Mike White in Miami and Josh Johnson in Baltimore were also underwhelming in limited action. It's not out of the question someone will be dialing Ryan Tannehill's phone down the road."

Benjamin isn't the only bystander who noticed second-string quarterbacks struggled across the league in Week 1 of the preseason. Braulio Perez of Phin Phanatic suggests the Dolphins give Ryan Tannehill a call after Skylar Thompson and Mike White struggled in the opener. Jason Reed at Bolt Beat also thinks the Los Angeles Chargers should get in touch with the veteran as soon as possible after watching Easton Stick implode.

You could even make the case that the Los Angeles Rams could also be a landing spot for Ryan Tannehill with Stetson Bennett throwing four interceptions in Week 1 of the preseason.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars have a well-rounded quarterback room. Trevor Lawrence remains the starter, while Jones and grizzled veteran C.J. Beathard compete for the primary backup job.

Trevor Lawrence, CJ Beathard and Mac Jones showed up for the Jaguars vs. the Chiefs

Following the win over the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Doug Pederson said he was content with how Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard, and Mac Jones played in preseason Week 1.

"All three of them played good, played smart. I don't think there was a turnover there," Doug Pederson told the local media. "Trevor played smart. Obviously, the throw to ETN [Travis Etienne], and then C.J. comes in and makes some really nice down-the-field throws in the face of adversity too, getting hit on the roughing from the passer."

"And then for Mac, to come in and do what he's capable of doing. It's a great room. It's a great room where we're blessed and fortunate to have three veteran players in that room, and it was exciting to watch all three play," Pederson said.

Lawrence went 3-of-4 with one touchdown. C.J. Beathard found Brian Thomas Jr. for a 41-yard completion and Mac Jones was sharp, completing 81 percent of his passes for 98 yards. He did get sacked, and so did Steezy Trev, but that shouldn't take away from his outstanding debut with the Jags.

The coaching staff won't risk exposing Lawrence to injuries before the regular season, so Jones and Beathard will get extended playing time the next two games. This is a conjecture but the Jaguars starting quarterback will probably sit out the finale.

In retrospect, trading for Jones was one of the best moves the Jacksonville Jaguars could've made in the offseason. The fact that they acquired him in exchange for only a sixth-rounder makes the decision look even better. Hopefully, he won't see any playing time in 2024, but if he does, he's showing he'll manage to keep the team afloat.

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