Jaguars' strong start against Falcons builds excitement about offensive potential

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to the 2024 season. Based on their first drive of the game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 of the preseason finale shows they're ready to roll.

Trevor Lawrence got the starting nod behind center for the Jags. He engineered a nine-play, 92-yard drive that ended on a touchdown reception to tight end Evan Engram.

But as impressive as Engram's touchdown grab was, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. also had an impressive 38-yard reception of his own, one that showcased his big-play capability.

The offense was just getting started, though. The Jacksonville defense stymied the Falcons offense and got the ball back. Lawrence proceeded to lead another scoring drive. This one was 13 plays and 62 yards long. Once again, the former Clemson Tiger connected with Engram for a five-yard touchdown.

After two successful drives, Lawrence left the field. He went 8-of-10 for 91 yards with two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Engram has made two trips to the end zone while running back Travis Etienne had seven carries for 46 yards.

The Jags got off to a strong start last season but they slowed down once Lawrence got hurt in the season half. Ultimately, the offense ranked 13th in points scored in the NFL but it would've fared much better if the offensive line had done a better job of protecting No. 16 and paving the way for Travis Etienne. It also didn't help that Zay Jones and Christian Kirk missed several games at different points of the year.

Without adequate protection and two of their top weapons, Lawrence had to carry the team on his shoulders. To add insult to injury, the defense had tuned out in the last weeks of the season. So even though Jacksonville was 8-3 at one point and with a favorable chance to make the playoffs, they managed to win just one of their last six games and failed to qualify for the postseason.

Realizing they needed to help Lawrence, the Jaguars made upgrades to his supporting cast in the offseason. Besides signing center Mitch Morse, they signed Gabe Davis in free agency and later signed Brian Thomas Jr. in free agency.

Trevor Lawrence & the Jaguars are poised to reclaim the AFC South in 2024

The Jaguars defied expectations in 2022, making the playoffs and winning the AFC South in head coach Doug Pederson's first season at the helm. They came close to pulling both feats last year but ultimately came up short. Now, they're looking to reclaim their place as the top team in the division. Based on the changes they made in the offseason and how the offense is playing against the Atlanta Falcons, it looks like a doable goal.

One thing that should incentivize the Jaguars is that they've so far managed to go 2-1 in third-and-1. That's an area where they struggled last year and will be pivotal to their success in 2024.

Having said that, the Jags have a long way to go. As good as they've been, the Houston Texans remain the team to beat in the AFC South. Then again, they should feel good about their chances based on how they've played in the offseason.

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