Trevor Lawrence showcased his skills in the final preseason game as the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31-0. Lawrence led two impressive touchdown drives, completing 8 of 10 passes for 91 yards, including two touchdown passes to tight end Evan Engram. Despite the Jaguars’ strong performance, the Falcons opted to rest their starters, including quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Falcons’ coach Raheem Morris chose to sit Cousins and instead gave rookie Michael Penix Jr. playing time in just one preseason game to avoid risking injury. Morris emphasized the value of practice and joint scrimmages over preseason games. Meanwhile, Cousins, recovering from an Achilles injury, is expected to start for the Falcons in the regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jacksonville’s dominant performance saw them outgaining the Falcons by 255 total yards and recording 30 first downs compared to Atlanta’s eight. The Jaguars’ strategic use of their starters in the preseason finale paid off, with Lawrence leading the offense effectively. Mac Jones, the former New England starter and backup to Lawrence, also had a solid outing for the Jaguars.
While the Falcons finished the preseason winless, they are focused on breaking their streak of six consecutive losing seasons. Morris expressed his commitment to prioritizing practice over preseason games as the head coach of the Falcons. Looking ahead, the Jaguars will open their regular season against the Miami Dolphins, while the Falcons will host the Pittsburgh Steelers for Cousins’ debut with the team.
