JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars 2024 Training Camp continued Thursday.
It was the 17th day of the third training camp under Head Coach Doug Pederson, featuring a relatively light contact practice in shells and shorts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Miller Electric Center. Each day throughout camp, members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick and team reporter Kai Stevens – will share an observation.
Here are Thursday's "campservations:"
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
The intensity may have lessened Thursday, but a critical – and positive – trend continued for the Jaguars in the second of two dual practices against the Buccaneers. That trend is the strong, consistent performance of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The fourth-year veteran followed a solid day Wednesday with one of his better practices of '24 camp Thursday, completing multiple long passes – to tight end Brenton Strange, tight end Evan Engram and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. – and appearing to make quick, correct decisions throughout most of a practice that lasted less than two hours. Lawrence not only continued to develop continuity with Thomas – the No. 23 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft – but also with wide receiver Gabe Davis, who signed with the Jaguars as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills in March. Lawrence on Thursday also had what may have been his best throw of camp on a seam route for a touchdown to Engram. Camp's early days, when observers expressed concern over Lawrence and the passing offense, are long in the rear view. He looks good and improved so far, and there may be no more important trend for this team.
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …
The Jaguars' offense looked as good as it has at any point in training camp on Thursday morning, at least from my perspective. All three quarterbacks were sharp and efficient, the offensive line allowed them the time to throw and the receivers didn't let many passes hit the ground. To be fair, they weren't wearing pads so everyone in white and red was less than aggressive, but it was still nice to see the offense operating at a level of performance that I had not seen in training camp thus far. Hopefully it carries over to the next two preseason games and the offense has a nice tempo already established for the start of the regular season in Miami in September.
J.P. Shadrick, Jaguars Senior Reporter/Editor…
The Buccaneers and Jaguars took the pads off Thursday, but the solid work continued. Lawrence hit two long passes to Thomas, continuing the trend up for the first-round pick wide receiver over the last week. Safety Andre Cisco seems locked in during this camp; in a seven-on-seven red zone drill, Cisco diagnosed something in a Buccaneers motion, alerted the defense as he moved toward the line of scrimmage, then undercut the running back in the left flat and intercepted the pass from Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield. Another young defensive back that Pederson mentioned as playing well lately: Erick Hallett II, who showed it again Thursday with two interceptions off Bucs backup quarterback Kyle Trask. With most starters sitting out this week, Saturday is huge and could be some of the final chances to get game action on tape for players pushing to make the roster.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...
This was another positive day for Thomas, who continues to improve as camp progresses. Lawrence looked more consistent on the second day of joint practice while working on his timing with Thomas and Davis. Backup quarterback Mac Jones also looked efficient with his reps. Jones spoke after practice about his excitement to get playing time in the second preseason game. I expect we'll see him get some quality work to start the game Saturday.
