The Jacksonville Jaguars exited Friday’s game against the Cleveland Browns with their second consecutive preseason loss of 2022, but there was a lot to be optimistic about heading forward. While their backup players struggled mightily, their starters on offense and defense performed well.
In the first two drives of the game, the Jags accumulated field goals. The first offensive drive of the day by them lasted for 12 plays, and the unit was able to total 73 yards along the way. It started with a huge play as quarterback Trevor Lawrence was able to hit receiver Zay Jones up the sideline for a 32-yard reception. Then two plays later, Lawrence came away with another first-down by rushing for 11 yards after faking a handoff to Travis Etienne.
Speaking of Etienne, they got him heavily involved to finish the drive. His first touch of the night went for 12 yards. He then received two more carries for four yards a piece before the drive ended, and eventually, kicker Elliott Fry was able to put one in from 23 yards away. That brought the score to 3-0.
The defense didn’t want to be outdone, though. After forcing a Browns punt in the game’s initial drive, they shut down the Browns’ second offensive drive in three plays. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins was able to lay a big hit on running back D’Ernest Johnson, causing a fumble that was recovered by cornerback Shaquill Griffin.
The Jags recovered on Cleveland’s 23 as a result, but the offense had a three-and-out to follow the recovery. Kicker Ryan Santoso then came in for a 38-yard attempt that was good and put the score at 6-0.
During the Browns’ third drive, the Jags’ defense forced another punt after seven plays. The Jags’ first-team offense found themselves on Cleveland’s 37-yard line afterward and were able to put together a 12-play drive that ended with an Evan Engram receiving touchdown for nine yards.
In the drive that led to a touchdown, the Jags got notables like Etienne, Jones (through a 15-yard reception), and rookie running back Snoop Conner involved to set them up for success. Jags coach Doug Pederson was able to take advantage of their efforts with a beautiful play-action fake that led the defense to the right and left the left side of the field open for Engram to score.
After that point, the backups were put in the game and were unable to get much going. They, unfortunately, ended the night with three turnovers and were unable to score after the first team got them off to a 13-0…
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