Jaguars' trade for Mac Jones looks a lot better after strong showing against Falcons

Looking to upgrade their quarterback room, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Mac Jones earlier this year. The Alabama product had a strong outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL Preseason and he's picked up where he left off against the Atlanta Falcons.

After two successful possessions, Trevor Lawrence left the game and paved the way for Jones. While the offense punted in their next two drives, the Jacksonville native drove 70 yards on eight plays before the end of the second quarter. Sophomore wide receiver Elijah Cooks capped the drive with a 13-yard touchdown reception.

Along the way, Jones also connected with tight end Brenton Strange and receivers Devin Duvernay and Parker Washington. Before halftime, the fourth-year quarterback went 8-of-10 for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Jones returned in the second half and led another touchdown drive to put the Jaguars ahead 28-0. This time, running back Jalen Jackson made the trip to the end zone. On a related note, the Villanova product has had a productive offseason and the touchdown might've increased his chances of making the 53-man roster.

Jones was competing with C.J. Beathard for the backup job behind Lawrence, but the battle came to a halt when the latter suffered a groin injury against Tampa Bay. It's uncertain how much time he'll miss but he didn't suit up for the preseason finale.

Then again, Jones had a leg up in the competition and there's a good chance he would've come out on top even if Beathard hadn't gotten hurt.

Beathard was the Jaguars' backup quarterback the past three seasons. In that span, he only made one start, and it came when Lawrence was in the concussion protocol. It's worth noting that No. 16 was pressed into action in the second half of the season even though he was dealing with several ailments.

This is just a conjecture but the team's brass might've not trusted Beathard to keep the offense afloat. That's why Lawrence played through injuries and later traded for Jones in the offseason.

The Jaguars have an enviable QB room with Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones in the fold

Based on how Mac Jones has played, acquiring him in exchange for just a sixth-round selection looks like a bargain. Granted, at the time of the deal, he was coming off a pair of underwhelming seasons and his stock was at an all-time low.

On the other hand, Jones and the New England Patriots were in need of a fresh start, so the separation made sense for both sides. In Jacksonville, the 2021 first-round pick has enjoyed a career revival and looks like the signal-caller who made the Pro Bowl and led the Pats to the postseason as a rookie.

Meanwhile, New England has a new quarterback in Drake Maye. All things considered, it's a win-win situation for both the Jaguars and the Patriots.

You have probably heard that you always want to have insurance but hope to never use it. That's the case with backup quarterbacks. You never want to see them take the field, but if the Jacksonville Jaguars call Mac Jones, he's showing he's ready to step up.

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