For the first time since the AFC Divisional round, the Jacksonville Jaguars played a football game! In preseason week one, the Jaguars beat the Dallas Cowboys 28 to 23.

Heading into preseason week one, there was a lot that warranted paying close attention to. From the rookies taking a step forward, veterans making their presence felt, and new heroes arriving on the scene, there was a lot that happened in preseason week one for the Jaguars. 

Preseason Week One Takeaways: Offense

The Offensive Starters

The offense picked up where it left off in 2022, with Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars starters getting three drives to showcase their revamped offense against the Cowboys.

However, it started a little more rocky than fans would’ve liked. Lawrence threw an interception on his first drive of preseason week one. While that put worry amongst fans, Lawrence put those worries to rest immediately with a 42-yard touchdown drive, capped off with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk, followed by a two-point conversion to Zay Jones.

Overall, the offensive starters showed up in preseason week one. The offensive line held up well, and there were only a couple of negative plays throughout the first few drives, thanks in part to penalties. Lawrence went five-for-six and threw for 36 yards and a touchdown, while Travis Etienne Jr. ran five times for 22 yards, a solid 4.4 yards per carry in preseason week one.

Christian Kirk caught two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown, while new acquisition Calvin Ridley had two receptions for 21 yards in his Jaguars debut. Evan Engram and Zay Jones didn’t have any receptions, but with a limited amount of drives on the field, it’s not a concern regarding their future outlook for 2023. 

Another name worth mentioning is Tank Bigsby. There was some buzz that Bigsby might be receiving a larger role, but after the first Jaguars preseason game, it seems like it’s Etienne’s job, and it’s not particularly close. Bigsby finished with a line of 9 carries for 52 yards, good for 5.8 yards per rush. He should still be the Jaguars’ number two running back, especially with his ability between the tackles, along with his pass-blocking ability.

Once the offensive starters came out, the Jaguars got to learn a lot more about the players that will back up those starters in 2023. One of those players made what might be the greatest preseason play in NFL history.

The Highlight of Preseason Week One

Nathan Rourke, a former BC Lion of the Canadian Football League, had one of the wildest plays ever seen in the preseason. It would be impossible to accurately give a written play-by-play of what happened, so it’s better to watch it and appreciate its greatness.

It's not over until Nathan says it's over.@nathan_rourke | #JAXvsDAL on CBS pic.twitter.com/LGOpiBRvOw

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 12, 2023

That’s one of the best plays ever made on a football field, regardless of the weight of the game. An incredible feat to even stay on his feet and avoid the sack, and even more incredulous that Rourke was able to find an open man downfield and throw a perfect pass to RB Qadree Ollison as he’s being sacked from behind. To do that, at the end of the game, on third and 16, and to essentially put preseason week one away is a feat that’ll turn heads around the NFL and the football world.

That’s the type of play that can help Rourke make the team, and with the new rule allowing for a third quarterback to be on the game-day roster, Rourke has seemingly propelled himself into the conversation.

Of course, one play won’t dictate whether he’s deserving of making the final 53-man roster. But Nathan Rourke put together a solid game overall in preseason week one. The former Ohio Bobcat and BC Lion put up a very respectable line, 9 for 17 for 153 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed to the ground game, running six times for 20 yards and a touchdown. 

Between one of the greatest plays in preseason history and an overall solid showing from Rourke, he might’ve just clinched a roster spot in preseason week one. 

The Best Players From Jaguars Preseason Week One: Offense

Nathan Rourke took the spotlight from the Jaguars’ first preseason game, but there was a lot more to love from the Jaguars’ offense. 

Anton Harrison was a major factor along the offensive line. During his time on the field with the starters, Anton Harrison didn’t allow any pressures on his 11 pass-blocking snaps. For Harrison to perform so well right out of the gate is a massive development. 

Harrison’s positive play is incredibly important to the success of the 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars, and to see him have immediate success is a welcome sign. He was one of the main targets to watch heading into the Jaguars preseason week one matchup, and he showed up in a big way.

All #76 RT Anton Harrison snaps from Preseason game 1
SNAP #8 ? pic.twitter.com/nVZiWswJu0

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 13, 2023

To go along with Anton Harrison playing well along the offensive line, Blake Hance also had a solid day against the Cowboys. Similarly to Harrison, Hance didn’t allow any pressures on his 12 pass-blocking snaps. His play in preseason week one is integral to the Jaguars’ success in 2023. The lack of pressure allowed by Hance and Harrison gave confidence to two of the positions along the offensive line that had questions.

An excellent day for #Jaguars Blake Hance against the #Cowboys. Making the most of his opportunities.

Hance allowed 0 pressures on 12 pass-block snaps. pic.twitter.com/wUuPlCCqXj

— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) August 13, 2023

Overall, the offensive line didn’t allow a single sack against the Cowboys, rounding out what was an encouraging sign from the offense in the Jaguars preseason week one game. The biggest takeaway from the Jaguars’ preseason so far might be the improvement of the offensive line, and the hope would be that this play can continue into the regular season.

Takeaways From the Jaguars Preseason Week One Defense

The Defensive Star: Gregory Junior

There are a lot of takeaways from the defense and special teams in the Jaguars’ preseason week one, but the most intriguing storyline so far is the emergence of Gregory Junior. Junior has been trending up in camp and has essentially played his way to making the 53-man roster. But if there was any doubt heading into Jaguars preseason week one, Junior squashed it with his play.

Gregory Junior was busy on both special teams and on defense. On special teams, he recovered a fumble that was knocked loose after the Jaguars punted deep from their territory, allowing for the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence to score on the ensuing drive from a much better field position. Being in the right place at the right time is an underrated aspect of the NFL, and Junior secured a fumble to set the starters up in good field position.

Gregory Junior also contributed on the defensive side of the ball. He had a forced fumble right as the Cowboys were approaching the Jaguars’ red zone, stopping a long Cowboys drive. Junior also received a 90 coverage grade from PFF, thanks in part to allowing 0 receptions on his 22 coverage reps. 

Between his activity on special teams, and his defensive ability taking a massive step forward, the second-year player has all but ensured his roster spot heading into 2023.

Christian Braswell

Christian Braswell came out of the first Jaguars preseason game with an interception and two tackles. The interception came late in the game; the Cowboys’ drive immediately followed Nathan Rourke’s incredible play. That interception, if not for a Nathan Rourke fumble on the Jaguars’ ensuing drive, would’ve put the Jaguars in complete control to win preseason week one.

In his first action in a Jaguars uniform, Christian Braswell received an 84 coverage grade from PFF. Between his performance and the performance of Gregory Junior, there are two very intriguing backups and potential starting options for the Jaguars among their backups. 

In preseason week one, the Jaguars’ defense showed up. The Jaguars’ pass rush secured four sacks in total. One each for rookies Ventrell Miller and Yasir Abdullah and one for Veterans Jeremiah Ledbetter and DaVon Hamilton. With the defense showing out in preseason week one, their work will be something to pay attention to in week two against the Lions. 

Overall, the Jaguars’ preseason has started great. With rookies showing up on both sides of the ball, and familiar faces making difference-making contributions, there is a lot to be excited about after the Jaguars’ preseason week one. It’s already been a memorable start, with Nathan Rourke providing the highlight of the preseason and Gregory Junior exploding onto the scene. Let’s see what the Jaguars can cook up in preseason week two.