Mac Jones is compared to legendary Vikings QB with scrambling play in Jaguars-Bucs

With Trevor Lawrence not suiting up for Week 2 of the preseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars rolled with Mac Jones as the starter. While he got off to a slow start, he eventually got him and validated the team's decision to go with him. When he was on the field, the Alabama product made several plays that helped the Jags move the ball. One of them evoked memories of a legendary Minnesota Vikings quarterback.

During the second quarter, Jones avoided a sack. Michael DiRocco believed the play was reminiscent of former Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton.

Jones went two-of-four for 13 yards in the Jaguars' first possession of the game. However, he was much better in the second, putting together an 80-yard touchdown drive on 17 plays. The fourth-year quarterback completed 11 of 18 passes for 144 yards with one touchdown, a 25-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Parker Washington.

As DiRocco pointed out, Tarkenton is as old school as they come. He played 13 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and five for the New York Giants. Along the way, he made the Pro Bowl nine times, got a First-Time All-Pro designation, and was the league's 1975 MVP. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

So what warranted the comparison? Tarkenton was one of the most agile and sneaky quarterbacks of his generation. "The Mad Scrambler" could find his way out of a sack, just like Jones did against the Buccaneers.

Mac Jones is trying to seize the backup QB job for the Jaguars in 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Day 2 of joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that Trevor Lawrence wasn't going to suit up for the game in Week 2 fo the preseason. Doug Pederson said that he wanted to see Mac Jones and C.J. Beathard each play a half. However, he didn't say who would be the starter.

Ultimately, Pederson told team reporter Kainani Stevens just before the game that Jones would get the starting nod.

Throughout the offseason, there's been discussion about the competition between Jones and Beathard for the backup job behind Trevor Lawrence, but the truth is that the former should have the inside track. After all, the Jags wouldn't have traded for him if they felt comfortable about their quarterback room.

During the broadcast, general manager Trent Baalke called Jones energizing, pointing out that it's hard not to notice him in practice. Head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor have routinely echoed that assessment. The former has jokingly stated that the former first-round pick drives him crazy while the latter has said that his "bubbly" personality stands out.

Either way, Jones is enjoying his time in Jacksonville and making the most out of his chance to rebuild his stock following a three-year stint with the New England Patriots. He said heading into Week 2 of the preseason that he's aware that he's competing with fellow quarterback CJ. Beathard but that doesn't compromise their friendship.

Ultimately, Mac Jones showed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers why the Jaguars traded for him. If he hasn't secured the backup job yet, his play in Week 2 of the preseason should at last strengthen his case.

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