Questionable call robs Jaguars CB Christian Braswell from defensive TD vs. Chiefs

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made several big plays throughout their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason. They could've had one more if the referees hadn't robbed cornerback Christain Braswell of an amazing fumble return from a touchdown.

Early in the third quarter, Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun found a wide-open Nikko Remigio for a big gain. But Braswell wasn't going to stand up for it and made him fumble. He then took it to the house to give the Jaguars six points. Here's the play in question.

Unfortunately, the refs called it back, pointing out that Remigio was down by contact. The issue with the call was that the Chiefs receiver wasn't down, and even Bucky Brooks, who's providing in-depth analysis from the boot, pointed out that head coach Doug Pederson should get the red flag immediately. He didn't and the game ultimately continued.

Still, it was great to see Braswell show incredible effort. Instead of giving up after Remigio caught the ball, he made an effort to stop him and made a big play along the way. Even if the play didn't count, the coaching staff must've taken notice, and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen was surely twirling his mustache on the sidelines in approval.

Two of the main points Nielsen has emphasized since the Jaguars hired him to replace Mike Caldwell were pursuit and aggressiveness. Braswell showed both when he ripped the ball off Remigio's hands.

A sixth-round pick in 2023, Braswell didn't get much playing time as a rookie because he landed on the Injured Reserve. He ultimately appeared in just three games but showed enough upside to make the team's brass think that he could develop into a solid reserve if given more time.

Jaguars CB Christian Braswell helped himself with would-be TD vs. the Chiefs

One thing about the preseason is that wins and losses don't count in the standings. That said, the coaching staff is keeping a close eye on their players during their roster evaluation. As head coach Doug Pederson noted ahead of the game against the Chiefs, it would be great if the Jacksonville Jaguars came out on top.

But more than anything, Doug P wanted to see players execute, in particular, those looking to work their way up the depth chart or trying to secure a roster spot. Christian Braswell surely did.

While Braswell isn't on the outside looking in heading into roster cutdown day, he's most definitely tangled in a three-way battle with third-year pro Montaric Brown and rookie Deantre Prince for one or two slots. His would-be return against Kansas City has probably strengthened his case.

Throughout the preseason, the sophomore cornerback had gotten the spotlight and was praised for making strides. Being at full strength has certainly helped him. Add the fact that he's making the most of his opportunities, and Christian Braswell's stock should be surging after Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.

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