The Jaguars didn’t allow a touchdown Sunday, but they still found a way to lose their third straight game.
A good chunk of the blame for Jacksonville’s putrid 12-7 loss to Minnesota goes to back Mac Jones, who started at quarterback in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence. Making his first start since Week 12 of last season, Jones completed 14 of 22 pass attempts for 111 yards with no passing touchdowns and two interceptions.
The 2021 first-round pick was particularly lousy when the Jaguars needed him most, as all three of his Week 10 turnovers were in the fourth quarter. While Jones didn’t receive much help from his supporting cast, he knew he didn’t rise to the occasion and felt inclined to pass along a message to his defense.
“Going back to our defense, I already told them they played a great game, and I got to put a better product out there to help us win,” Jones told reporters, per AL.com
“They played a very good football game and a game that gave us plenty of chances to win. As a quarterback, I got to get us in the end zone or get some field goals on the board. We were in it at the end, but that’s the NFL. You never know how the games are going to go, so just got to finish better.”
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Fortunately for Jones, he might have many more opportunities this season to change the narrative about his abilities. Lawrence’s injury reportedly could sideline him for the rest of the season, which would set up the former New England Patriot to start Jacksonville’s final seven games.
The Jaguars also have C.J. Beathard on the roster, though, so they might not give Jones a long leash if his struggles persist.
Featured image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
