Former Patriots quarterback can prove Jaguars decision-makers right with golden opportunity
When Mac Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, he knew that he was going into a situation where he would not be the starting quarterback. The team already had Trevor Lawrence, but Jones was fighting for the backup spot. And by the end of training camp, he had earned it. Fast forward a few […]
![Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://atozsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/76926-usatsi_24600950.jpg)
When Mac Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, he knew that he was going into a situation where he would not be the starting quarterback.
The team already had Trevor Lawrence, but Jones was fighting for the backup spot. And by the end of training camp, he had earned it.
Fast forward a few months, Jones is getting the opportunity to start. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Lawrence is considered unlikely to play this weekend against the Vikings.
The Jaguars starting quarterback "continues to get treatment and weigh options for the future."
So that means it's Mac Jones time in Jacksonville.
But now he has to go up against Brian Flores' defense.
Lawrence is dealing with "upper body soreness," according to Jacksonville head coach Doug Peterson. And on Tuesday, the team signed quarterback C.J. Beathard to the 53-man roster from the Dolphins practice squad.
This was to have some additional help for Jones since Lawrence was questionable (and now unlikely).
However, the injury could be more serious than they originally thought.
There was a report that Lawrence was going to require surgery, but Rapoport denied that.
"No surgery scheduled, Jay. There are several options immediate and down the road. That's one of them. He's considered day-to-day with a left shoulder. But as he considers these options, Trevor Lawrence will likely not play Sunday. Mac Jones is the backup," the NFL Insider posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
But if the injury is longterm, Jones might have just earned himself the starting job, but in one of the worst ways. The Jaguars are 2-7, so losing Lawrence is the last thing they want. But at least they have a quarterback waiting in the wings who has starting experience and has won games in the NFL.
The former Patriots quarterback has appeared in two games for the Jaguars this season, completing six of nine passes for 28 yards, along with taking two sacks.
Prior to the trade, he spent three years with New England after being selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jones had a promising rookie season, but took a serious decline his second and third year. And because of that, many believe that his time in New England came to an end when former head coach Bill Belichick decided to officially bench the quarterback in favor of Bailey Zappe.
With Josh McDaniels leaving to go to the Las Vegas Raiders after his first season mixed with the Patriots inability to bring in weapons to surround Jones with on the offense, it was a recipe for disaster.
And in the end, two key people lost their jobs: former head coach Bill Belichick and Jones.
But the trade to Jacksonville was perfect for the young quarterback.
Jones played high school football at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, so this is a homecoming for him. And he is competing to serve as the backup quarterback to Trever Lawrence, who was also selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He is getting an opportunity to prove himself on Sunday so let's see what happens.
