JACKSONVILLE - Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars' 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2024 Preseason Week 1 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Saturday

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. All right, OK, fine. We'll start this first version of 2024 Quick Thoughts with some obligatory thoughts on the Jaguars' first-team offense and defense in the preseason opener. They're obligatory because the starters played just two series, but that was enough to see a positive sign or two. One was that the Jaguars led 7-3 when the first-team offense and defense departed, and that's always a good sign against the defending Super Bowl champions. The first-team offense and quarterback Trevor Lawrence also did a nice job turning a 73-yard kickoff return by wide receiver Parker Washington to the Chiefs 20 into a point-blank touchdown. That happened when Lawrence found running back Travis Etienne Jr. in the middle of the field for an "easy" nine-yard touchdown run. The first-team defense also did nice job stabilizing after the Chiefs moved quickly on their first drive, holding Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a 45-yard field goal. It's tough to gauge much from such short playing time for the starters, but this was at least OK.
2. Taaaank – and BTJ. A few young players stood out for the Jaguars Saturday – and that's always a positive. First was Washington, a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft who took the first Kansas City kickoff at the Jaguars 7-yard line and returned it to the Chiefs 20. Washington has stood out in 2024 Training Camp, and it was good to see him build on early momentum. Just as notable was second-year running back Tank Bigsby, who struggled at times as a rookie but who backed up a strong '24 camp with 28 yards on three carries Saturday. The thought here remains that the third-round '24 selection has a real chance to contribute this season, and he nearly had a kickoff return for a touchdown on a 44-yard return late in the first half. The Jaguars' biggest play came from their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the No. 23 overall selection, got deep just behind cornerback Joshua Williams and made a twisting, one-handed reception for a 41-yard gain to the Chiefs 40. Bigsby followed that with a 19-yard run. That's big production from key young players – and that's a good sign for a team focused on developing youth this preseason.

Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …

1. Good signs. It was good to see so many young players step up and deliver on Saturday. Washington's 73-yard kickoff return set up an early lead, and Bigsby reminded everyone why folks were so high on him at this time last year. Linebacker Ventrell Miller nearly intercepted a pass with a diving effort in the third quarter and that's with a club to protect an injured hand. Cornerback Christian Braswell dazzled with his strip of a Kansas City receiver and return of the fumble for a touchdown though the play was later overturned. The Jaguars need the 2023 draft class, the largest in franchise history, to rise to the occasion in its second season and lots of those guys turned in good performances in the preseason opener.
2. New rule. The NFL got what it wanted from the new kickoff rule but it's going to have to change it to keep it. No coach in his right mind is going to kick the ball and take a chance on getting gashed for a long return because one guy was out of position. There just isn't enough margin for error in the close quarters that the new rules employ. Coaches are going to kick it out of the end zone and give the other team the ball at their own 30-yard line. Broncos coach Sean Payton suggested earlier this week that it would be more punitive if the ball went to the 35-yard line. He's right. The NFL is going to have to amend its rule because it's clear that the changes will bring the kickoff back. As we saw Saturday, it won't just come back quietly. It could be an explosive return.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...

1. So far, so good. You can never put a ton of stock in preseason games, but this one hit all the important marks. No major injuries, live playing experience for the rookies and a competitive game throughout. The team played fast and physical from the beginning and the young players didn't look lost when called upon. Thomas came up with a great grab on a pass from C.J. Beathard that will definitely make the highlight reel. This performance leaves me optimistic heading into joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week.
2. Fun, fun. The new kickoff rule is going to be a lot of fun. The biggest rule change to the game we have seen in a while has already given us some exciting moments. Washington ripped off a 73-yard return in the Jags' first attempt at the new kickoff return. We also saw a safety from the Chiefs after their returner kneeled on the end-zone line thinking that would advance the ball to the 20-yard-line. It's clear no team has figured it all out just yet, so I expect more dramatic things to come.