Jaguars go 3-0 in the 2023 preseason: 3 takeaways on win over Dolphins in Week 3

The Jacksonville Jaguars saw their game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 of the preseason as a rehearsal for the regular season, and it was for a bit over three quarters. However, the bout had to be finished prematurely due to an injury wide receiver Daewood Davis suffered with a bit over eight minutes to go. The good news is that Davis was taken to a local hospital and is conscious and moving his limbs.

At the time the game was canceled, the Jags were 31-18, so they won by default. Then again, it's a preseason contest, so it doesn't count in the standings. On the other hand, the Jags the Jags did plenty of good before the game was called off. With this in mind, here are three takeaways from the win over the Phins.

3. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars starting offense looked sharp vs. the Dolphins

Following the 27-5 win over the Detroit Lions, head coach Doug Pederson said he wanted to give the starters an extended look in the finale. True to his word, Pederson gave Trevor Lawrence and the offense two full drives to show what they could do. They scored on the second one and came close in their first posssession. In fact, they would've probably been up 14-0 had it not been for a fumble rookie running back Tank Bigsby lost.

But fumble aside and a few mistakes aside, the Jags should feel good about their performance against Miami. Lawrence hadn't gotten much playing time in the preseason but that changed against the Dolphins. He got to play for two series and he was on target, going 8-of-10 for 92 yards. Moreover, he got solid protection when he was on the field. You could make the case that the biggest gaffe came from rookie Antonio Harrison, who was flagged for holding.

Also, the Jaguars made it a priority to run the ball and it paid off, with Travis Etienne and Bigsby combining for 74 yards on 14 carries.

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught three passes, a couple for first downs, for 50 yards on three targets. Coach Pederson isn't surely pleased with Bigby's fumble and Harrison's penalty, which negated a 15-yard rush by Etienne. Nevertheless, the Jaguars should feel good about their ability to move the ball against the Dolphins' starting defense.

2. The Jaguars defense held its own against Miami in Week 3 of the preseason

The Jaguars' starting defense also got a chance to make an impression against the Dolphins, and they did. Although they gave up a few big plays, they also held their grown when it mattered the most; the red zone. For three quarters, the Dolphins couldn't reach the end zone and had to settle for four field goals.

It wasn't until the fourth quarter that Miami managed to score. Before that, the Jaguars did a good job of stymying the Dolphins' offense. On top of that, a couple of rookies came through with takeaways. First, it was safety Erick Hallet II and later outside linebacker Yasir Abdullah.

Hallet is currently looking for a roster spot, there's a chance his interception will increase his chances of making the cut. On the other hand, Abdullah could potentially move ahead of fellow pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson on the depth chart.

Chaisson was the No. 3 pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen earlier this year. However, it's fair to say that Abdullah, who's logged one sack and an interception this offseason, has done more than enough to pass Chaisson.

Speaking of Walker, he also had a strong output, registering four total tackles. Following the game, head coach Doug Pederson praised him, noting that he got into the right frame of mind in training camp.

If Walker can build on this performance, the Jaguars' pass rush might not be as concerning as it seems to be — at least from an outside perspective — heading into the 2023 season.

1. The Jaguars will have some tough decisions to make at WR

If you thought the bout against the Dolphins would bring some clarity to the receiver depth chart, you were in for a rude awakening. It's true that Kevin Austin Jr., Kendric Pryor and Parker Washington didn't make a strong impression.

However, Tim Jones, Jacob Harris, Elijah Cooks, and Seth Williams all take advantage of their respective opportunities and if they don't get a roster spot, it won't be for a lack of effort.

Jones had yet another highlight reel for the second straight week. Against the Detroit Lions, he had one for 48 yards but because he wanted to outdo himself, he reeled in one that went for 74 yards in the finale. On top of his blocking prowess, this pair of long receptions should increase his odds of making the 53-man roster in 2023.

On the other hand, Williams, who had a strong training camp, also had two catches for 50 yards. One of them will be in the loop the next couple of days.

Elijah Cooks, for his part, didn't have a huge catch this time but he did haul in three receptions for 35 yards on four targets. An undrafted free agent out of San Jose State earlier this year, Cooks should feel good about his chances of earning a roster spot in 2023.

Having said that, it's hard to tell who will ultimately make the cut. Simply, the Jaguars have lots of talent at receiver beyond their starting unit and they won't be able to keep them all. It will be intersting to see who ends up getting the nod.

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