The final week of the 2024 NFL preseason resumed on Friday, with the Jacksonville Jaguars defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-0, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocking off the Miami Dolphins 24-14 and the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders ending in a tie, 24-24.
Here are some takeaways from the action, including a vibing Jaguars offense, a highly contested backup quarterback battle and the potential return of a big-name holdout.
Traveling to Las Vegas, the 49ers wide receiver did not play because he was deeply involved in a contract dispute with the team. His presence suggests that a deal could be imminent, which is encouraging for San Francisco’s offensive line.
There are no certainties, but “optics suggest” that the 49ers and Aiyuk will reach a deal shortly, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. That ought to be welcome news for Purdy following a respectable, if occasionally disappointing, preseason.
Purdy made a few on-point throws Friday against the Raiders while being mostly shielded by backups. However, he made a number of bad choices, taking four hits—some of which might have been his fault—and staring down a slant pattern that resulted in an interception.
The Jaguars offense was clicking against the Falcons, despite facing backups and players off the roster. Whichever way you cut it, Jacksonville should be happy about that.
Trevor Lawrence, who completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in two series, led the first team in a feast. The Jaguars starter has been impressive in the preseason, going 11-of-14 for 134 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions after a difficult close to 2023.
The other projected starters who were on the field with Lawrence, however, were excellent. During the first drive, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas caught one throw for 38 yards, tight end Evan Engram collected four targets for 28 yards and two scores, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. ran for 47 yards (seven carries).
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