NFL: Jaguars Display Depth in 25-7 Preseason Win over Detroit

DETROIT - Aug. 19, 2023 - PRLog -- In an NFL preseason game to fortify the Jaguars depth, Jacksonville defeated the Lions 25-7 in Detroit.

Most starters sat against the Lions. Saturday was the last chance for many players to showcase their talents outside practice before cut day. Walker Little played some at left guard.

Teddy Bridgewater started at quarterback for Detroit. The Lions went four and out on their initial possession. Bridgewater was under pressure the entire series, highlighted by a sack by Jeremiah Ledbetter for a nine-yard loss.

Bridgewater was 5 of 11 passing for 34 yards. Nate Sudfeld came on in relief on the final series of the second quarter.

He threw an interception to Gregory Junior who returned it 37 yards to the Detroit 18. Parker Washinton caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Beathard.

Beathard was 12 of 20 passing for 138 yards and one interception.

First-year running back Tank Bigsby carried most of the load in the first half. Bigsby ran for 70 yards on 13 carries.

Jacksonville struck first on a 40-yard Brandon McManus field goal at 6:15 of the first quarter. Rookie Cooper Hodges injured his right knee on the play. He didn't return.

McManus added a 28-yarder with 4:53 to play in the first half.

The Lions scored on a fourth-down play at the Jaguars one with 8:37 to play in the third quarter. Sudfeld threw a TD pass to Chase Cota. Sudfeld was 9 of 18 passing for 80 yards.

QB Nathan Rourke started the second half for the Jaguars. Former USF running back D'Ernest Johnson scored twice in the game.

First on a one-yard run. Then on a 15-yard score, set up by undrafted rookie Elijah Cooks' 47-yard reception from Rourke.

Johnson has six carries for 36 yards. Rourke finished 9 of 11 passing for 112 yards.

The final preseason game is Saturday night when the Jaguars host the Miami Dolphins.

Jaguars Notes: Tim Jones caught a 48-yard pass from Beathard in the first quarter… Caleb Johnson had sack causing a Bridgewater fumble he returned for 33 yards…Lions were 0 for 9 on third down through three quarters…The Jaguars committed four penalties in first quarter.

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