ATLANTA, Ga. – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars' 31-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in a 2024 Preseason Week 3 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., Friday

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Just what they wanted. Here was Friday's reality: The Jaguars likely weren't going to learn too much about all that much in a Preseason Week 3 game playing their starters against another team's reserves. What the Jaguars therefore wanted Friday was to look very good for a short period, which for the most part was what happened. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence led two touchdown drives with all five starting offensive linemen playing in a game together for the first time. Lawrence hit some big, key plays and the Jaguars ran well at times. The starting offense scored touchdowns on both of their series and the first-team defense did not allow a point, so the Jaguars leave the preseason unbeaten with some confidence. That's pretty much what you wanted from a preseason finale played in these circumstances.
2. A few final thoughts on the preseason… This overall felt like a productive preseason, and it very much appears as if 2023 draft selections such as wide receiver Parker Washington, running back Tank Bigsby and linebacker Ventrell Miller are poised to take second-year jumps. Third-year linebacker Chad Muma also looks like he fits into first-year coordinator Ryan Nielsen's system and will be more than capable of playing a key role if needed. With Washington, wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. joining veterans Gabe Davis and Christian Kirk, this has the feel of a deep and potentially productive wide receiver corps. A final preseason thought: Defensive end Travon Walker is going to be interesting to watch this season. He surged at the end of last season to finish with 10 sacks and has looked strong this preseason. He was dominant on Friday. This was against reserves, but Walker has the continued look of a player on the rise.

Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …

1. They did what they were supposed to do. The Jaguars' regulars pushed aside the Falcons' backups, and did whatever they wanted on offense and defense. Remember: There was a time when this franchise struggled to do what they wanted in August. Beyond the dominant performance, they stayed healthy and are now focused on getting the roster finalized and getting ready for Miami for the regular-season opener. No injuries to fret over, or fires to extinguish, or haystacks to search through to fill a desperate need. They're in good shape as the regular season approaches.
2. The defensive line is going to cause problems for their opponents. The Jaguars are at least eight deep with power inside they didn't have last season – and an edge-rushing tandem that led the NFL in sacks last season. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen rotates and swaps guys with abandon and why shouldn't he? There is an abundance of players and positions with which he can create mismatches and leverage on an offense. It's going to be a fun unit to watch in 2024.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...

1. At least nobody got hurt. Preseason game No. 3 wasn't set to be a riveting watch with the Jaguars' starters facing off against the Falcons' third-string players, and it pretty much stuck to the script. We saw what we needed to see from Lawrence and the starting offense. Nielsen's defense got good pressure and won their matchups against lesser players. The Jaguars won in a blowout and the blue medical tent wasn't used on either side of the field. A welcome end to the preseason.
2. Running away with it. The Jaguars' commitment to the run game on Friday night was crucial as we head into the regular season. Specifically: Bigsby, who had 40 rushing yards on eight carries. Pederson stuck with his second-year running back through some adversity, and after the game, Pederson said he was pleased with Bigsby's perseverance. The Jaguars will need the Tank to keep rolling in Miami for the season opener.