JACKSONVILLE – Another week, another big opportunity.

In the one-play-at-a-time, play-with-enthusiasm world of Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones, that's the approach – and it's the one he will take through the final three games of the 2024 regular season.

Jones is improving as the weeks pass, and that's the idea.

"Starts today at practice, really just being where my feet are," Jones said Wednesday as the Jaguars (3-11) prepared to play the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday.

Jones, the No. 15 overall selection overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, has started four of the last five games in place of injured starter Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars are 1-3 in those games, with Jones throwing two touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Jones turned in the best of his four starts in a 32-25 loss to the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium Sunday, completing 31 of 46 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

"Every week he just takes another step in that right direction," Head Coach Doug Pederson said.

Pederson on Wednesday lauded Jones for improving in recent weeks in the areas of decision-making, getting the ball out of his hand and understanding the offense.

"He learned a new offense this entire year and now he's getting a chance to go play and run the show," Pederson said. "I think for him, [the key] is just understanding what we ask of him. We're not going to yell and scream at him. He can just do his deal and lead the football team, but knowing we have his back and support.

"I think it's been good for him. You're seeing more of that confidence come out. Sort of that chippiness, that edge that he has, which I love to see."

Jones said playing with such chippiness is when he feels he "at my best" for himself and the team.

"Just going out there, having fun, slinging it around and I'm going to continue to do that – really just get back to that one-play-at-a-time mindset," Jones said. "Sometimes you put so much weight on a certain play in a game, and really, they're just plays. Whether it's the first drive of the game or the last drive, you just have to play and do your job.

"If you do your job on the play, then that's really all you can ask for yourself."

Added Jones, "It definitely carries over to them (his teammates). I think that fits the personalities in the room, myself included and the coaches. It's not been the best season so far, but we're also still striving for perfection and keeping it fun and loose and trying to win."

Jones, acquired by the Jaguars in a March trade with the New England Patriots, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the season.

"He's making the most of it," Pederson said. "Not saying we're moving on or anything like that, but this is another great opportunity. These next couple of weeks would be big for him and just continuing to improve and showing that he can run a team."

NOTABLE

• Pederson on Wednesday also lauded fourth-year left tackle Walker Little, a second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft who has started the last seven games after the Jaguars traded starting left tackle Cam Robinson the Minnesota Vikings. "He's played really well," Pederson said. "Each week, he continues to improve and show how capable he is of handling that starting role. We knew he could do that." Pederson said Little has provided physicality in the run game and pass protection. "He does a nice job," Pederson said of Walker, who played swing tackle and guard at various times in three previous NFL seasons. "He's right where he needs to be and continues to improve. He has the confidence he's going to be the guy and we have the confidence that he's the guy. Day in and day out, he gets those practice reps. He doesn't have to worry about, 'Am I going to play left tackle this week or right tackle, or guard – or whatever it might be.' That has a lot to do with it."

QUOTABLE

• Pederson on Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson, the No. 20 overall selection by the Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft who has a career-high three sacks this season: "He's playing really well, providing a spark. It's a great opportunity for him. You're seeing that on film. He brings a lot of energy to that defense and has done a nice job with them."