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Jaguars 2023 Season Overview: What’s New?

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Jaguars 2023 Season Overview: What’s New?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – As the Jaguars continue their preparations for their first preseason game Saturday, 8/12 at 5:00 p.m. in Dallas against the Cowboys, here’s an overview of what you need to know for the coming season.

WR Calvin Ridley will return to the field for the first time since October 24, 2021, when he was still with the Atlanta Falcons. The Jaguars’ addition of Ridley to the roster gives third year QB Trevor Lawrence another target. Ridley has shown great promise during preseason practices, and should quickly demonstrate his value to the team.

Familiar names on this year’s roster include WR Jamal Agnew, OLB Josh Allen, CB Tyson Campbell, S Andre Cisco, P Logan Cooke, TE Evan Engram, RB Travis Etienne Jr., RB JaMycal Hasty, CB Tre Herndon, S Rayshawn Jenkins, WR Zay Jones, WR Christian Kirk, LB Devin Lloyd, LB Foyesade Oluokun, and OLB Travon Walker. OL Cam Robinson also returns, but will miss the first four games of the season after the NFL suspended him for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

The Jaguars offseason moves include the signing of draft picks OT Anton Harrison (Oklahoma), TE Brenton Strange (Penn State), RB Tank Bigsby (Auburn), LB Ventrell Miller (Florida), DE Tyler Lacy (Oklahoma State), LB Yassir Abdullah (Louisville), S Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M), WR Parker Washington (Penn State), CB Christian Braswell (Rutgers), DB Erick Hallett II (Pittsburgh), OT Cooper Hodges (Appalachian State), DT Raymond Vohasek (North Carolina), and FB Derek Parish (Houston). S Latavious Brini (Arkansas) was not drafted, but impressed coaches in the rookie minicamp, and is now competing for a spot on the roster, or perhaps the practice squad. Other undrafted signees include OLB D.J. Coleman (Missouri), WR Elijah Cooks (San Jose State), WR Oliver Martin (Nebraska), TE Leonard Taylor (Cincinnati), CB Kaleb Hayes (BYU), CB Divaad Wilson (UCF), LB Dequan Jackson (Colorado State), and OL Samuel Jackson (UCF). OT Coy Cronk has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. The Jags also added free agents RB D’Ernest Johnson from the Cleveland Browns, DL Michael Dogbe from the Arizona Cardinals, DL Henry Mondeaux from the New York Giants, OL Chandler Brewer from the Los Angeles Rams, K Brandon McManus from the Denver Broncos, and OL Josh Wells, who returns to Jacksonville, where he played from 2014 to 2018, before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019 until 2022. The Jaguars have also signed TE Sammis Reyes, who is the first player in the NFL from Chile, who also played basketball as a youth member with the Chilean national team. TE Josh Pederson played in the USFL last season, and has now joined the Jags to play for his father, Coach Doug Pederson.

Gone from the roster are RT Jawaan Taylor, who signed with Kansas City, DL Arden Key, who signed with Tennessee, TE Chris Manhertz, who signed with Denver, CB Shaquill Griffin, who signed with Houston, WR Marvin Jones, who signed with Detroit, TE Dan Arnold, who signed with Philadelphia, and K Riley Patterson, who was traded to Detroit. S Tyree Gillespie was released and has signed with Houston, WR Willie Johnson was waived due to a failed physical, and DT Corey Peters has announced he’s retiring after twelve years in the NFL.

The Miller Electric Center just opened its doors several weeks ago, and the Jaguars held their preseason practices on the new practice fields. This $120 Million, 125,000 square-foot facility features state of the art amenities, including locker rooms, training and medical facilities, concession stands, a team store, and fan viewing areas. For a look inside this impressive facility, click here: https://youtu.be/77Fc9zTA-Dw.

The Jags hope to improve upon last year’s performance, finishing 9-8 with a victory over the Tennessee Titans in the final game of the season. They went on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild card game, coming back from a 27 point deficit to win 31-30 thanks to a Riley Patterson walk-off field goal. But they lost the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl. Many preseason polls predict a slightly better record for the 2023 season, and the Jaguars are currently the favorite to win the AFC South.

So while fans wait to return to EverBank Stadium (note the name change from last season’s TIAA Bank Field), be sure to practice your chants of “DUUUVAL,” and remember to add the hashtag #IWATJ to your social media posts. (“It was always the Jags.”) The Jaguars will also be playing two games across the Atlantic in London this season, on Sunday, 10/1 and 10/8. If you’re thinking about attending those games, you may want to start making your travel plans and searching online for tickets.

After the game in Dallas, this weekend, the Jaguars head to Detroit to play the Lions on Saturday, 8/19 at 1:00 p.m., before kicking off in Jacksonville against the Dolphins on Saturday, 8/26 at 7:00 p.m. for their final preseason game. The regular season schedule starts on the road in Indianapolis against the Colts on Sunday, 9/10 at 1:00 p.m. The Jaguars first home game will be against the world champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, 9/17 at 1:00 p.m. Stay tuned to Florida National News for more news throughout the season.

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose Second of the Season to the Seahawks 20-12

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Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) lost to the Seattle Seahawks (4-2) 20-12 at EverBank Stadium today. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was sacked seven times during the game.

The Jaguars were the first to score, on a Trevor Lawrence 21 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. K Cam Little missed his first ever point after touchdown, so the Jaguars were up 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. Little had held a perfect record of making his extra points, not just with the Jags, but even in college and high school.

In the second quarter, K Jason Myers kicked a 24 yard field goal for the Seahawks. Seattle added a 61 yard touchdown pass from QB Sam Darnold to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and with Myers’ XP, the Seahawks were up 10-6. Cam Little missed a 50 yard field goal attempt for the Jaguars with a minute to go before the half. Myers added a 53 yard field goal shortly after, to put the Seahawks ahead 13-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Vikings added another touchdown pass by Darnold for 11 yards to WR Cooper Kupp, followed by Myers’ XP. Late in the quarter, a Trevor Lawrence 54 yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. was nullified by an offside penalty called against rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter. The Seahawks led 20-6 at the end of the third quarter.

On the first drive of the fourth, Trevor Lawrence completed a 26 yard touchdown pass to WR Tim Patrick, but WR Bhayshul Tuten missed a two point conversion attempt, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 20-12. Myers later made a 27 yard field goal for Seattle that was reversed because of a holding penalty by the Jaguars’ DE Dawuane Smoot, but the final score remained 20-12.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 258 passing yards and 2 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 27 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 90 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,056.

Earlier this week, the Jaguars traded CB Tyson Campbell and a seventh round 2026 draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for CB Greg Newsome II and a sixth round 2026 pick.

The Jaguars helped to spread the word about fighting cancer through early detection and risk reduction as part of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. Pink ribbons were handed out to fans before the game in the Fan Entertainment Zone, along with customizable “I Stand For” signs, in support of those who have been impacted by cancer.

Jaguars help spread the word about fighting cancer through the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

The Jaguars travel to London to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Wembley Stadium. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. The Jags have a bye week after that followed by road games against the Raiders and the Texans before returning to EverBank Stadium on Nov. 16 to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Come From Behind to Beat Chiefs Monday Night 31-28

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Jaguars vs. Chiefs in Monday Night Football Action (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) came back late in the game to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) 31-28. Today’s game marked the Jaguars’ 13th Monday Night Football appearance in Jacksonville, improving their all-time MNF record to 8-5 at home.

ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown Crew Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

The Chiefs were the first to put points on the board, with a QB Patrick Mahomes 2 yard touchdown pass to TE Travis Kelce, followed by the extra point from K Harrison Butker. The score remained 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, the Jaguars went for it on 4th and 1, but QB Trevor Lawrence was called for fumbling the ball as he tried to run up the middle for a touchdown. Officials reviewed the play which looked like a possible touchdown on the stadium replay, but the fumble ruling stood. On the next series, the Chiefs’ drive finished with Mahomes running 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by another Butker XP. But Lawrence’s 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by K Cam Little’s extra point narrowed the gap. Just before halftime, LB Foye Oluokun got his 500th tackle as a Jaguar. The Chiefs led 14-7 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, fans cheered loudly when Jaguars two-way rookie phenom WR Travis Hunter caught a 44 yard pass from Trevor Lawrence. Hunter followed with a 1 yard reception, but the scoring drive ended four plays later as Lawrence ran 10 yards for a touchdown followed by Little’s XP, tying the game. Late in the third quarter, LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass and ran it 99 yards for a “pick six,” followed by Little’s XP, putting the Jags ahead 21-14.

In the fourth, a Trevor Lawrence pass intended for Parker Washington was intercepted by CB Trent McDuffie. That set up Chiefs’ RB Kareem Hunt, who ran up the middle for a 5 yard touchdown, followed by Butker’s XP to tie the game. Cam Little’s 52 yard field goal later put the Jags up 24-21. But Hunt ran for another 2 yard touchdown, and with Butker’s XP, the Chiefs pulled ahead 28-24, with just 1:45 remaining. Trevor Lawrence wowed the crowd leading an impressive drive downfield. A pass interference call set up a Trevor Lawrence 1 yard touchdown run, and with Little’s XP, the Jaguars pulled ahead 31-28 with just 23 seconds to go. The Chiefs were unable to score on a Patrick Mahomes end of the game Hail Mary, securing the Jaguars’ victory.

Donna Kelce came to Jacksonville to see her sons. Travis plays for the Chiefs, while Jason is now part of ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown crew. Mama Kelce also wore a Taylor Swift inspired cap, in support of her future daughter-in-law.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 221 passing yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars’ rushing with 54 yards and two TDs. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 80 yards. Today’s attendance was 69,329.

Also at today’s game, the Jaguars showed off the first part of their major stadium renovations. The first of four new grand staircases opened, leading fans to the main concourse. Construction on the Jaguars’ $1.4 billion dollar Stadium of the Future will continue through August 2028. Click here to see video of the official opening of the new grand staircase: Grand Staircase

The Jaguars take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1:00 p.m. The Jags then travel to London to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Wembley Stadium. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

 

 

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple Titans in Final Home Game of the Season

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Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-13) 20-13 on a rainy afternoon, as Jacksonville remained under a tornado watch for much of the game. Today’s game was the team’s annual “fan appreciation game,” celebrating the fans’ support of the Jaguars all season long, and for the past 30 years.

The Jaguars’ first drive ended with a 48 yard K Cam Little field goal. But neither team managed to score during the rest of the first quarter, as the score remained 3-0.

In the second quarter, Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a QB Mason Rudolph pass intended for RB Julius Chestnut, which excited the hometown fans. The Jags capitalized on that opportunity, as QB Mac Jones threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, to extend their lead to 10-0. Little later added a 44 yard field goal, but the Titans scored their first points of the game at the end of the second quarter on K Matthew Wright’s 39 yard field goal. The Jaguars were ahead 13-3 at the half.

QB Mac Jones and QB Mason Rudolph (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Midway through the third quarter, Mason Rudolph completed a 8 yard touchdown pass to TE Nick Vannett, followed by Matthew Wright’s extra point, narrowing the Jags’ lead to 13-10, which remained the score heading into the fourth.

Midway through the fourth, Mac Jones found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, to put them ahead 20-10. Matthew Wright’s 28 yard field goal moved the Titans within a touchdown at 20-13, just before the two-minute warning. The Titans had one final drive to score, but were stopped by the Jaguars defense.

DE Travon Walker’s sack today moved him into the top 10 in franchise history with 23.0, breaking his tie with Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray. Brian Thomas Jr. also tied WR Randy Moss’ NFL rookie record of eight games with at least 60 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Mac Jones finished with 174 yards and two TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 49 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 91 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,995.

The Jaguars head to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Sunday, 1/5. Kickoff time has not yet been announced for this final game of the season. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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