Urban Meyer almost decided to play quarterback Trevor Lawrence against Dallas because of injuries to four of his five offensive linemen. But, he was forced to reconsider the decision by Lawrence and the first team's need to get moving.
It was the right decision.
In the Jaguars' 34-14 win at AT&T Stadium, Lawrence completed 11 of twelve passes for 139 yards. Lawrence also scored two touchdowns with the first-team offense. These were the only touchdowns that the unit had scored in preseason. Even though it was against Cowboys backups, Meyer wanted it to be exactly what he expected.
Meyer stated, "I made that decision [to be Lawrence] and there was much angst about it but he must play."
Lawrence led a 68 yard drive, which he ended with an 18-yard touchdown to Pharoh Cooper. He also made a 38-yard throw on the sideline to Phillip Dorsett. Lawrence's second Jaguars drive was halted by an incompletion. However, he led a 67 yard drive that culminated with a touchdown pass to LaViska Shenault for a 4 yard touchdown.
Lawrence stated, "I felt good." Lawrence said, "I felt good," and that he believed we had a solid game plan. It's really all about execution. We had a solid game plan last week, I believe. It was just not executed. We just didn't execute it. You'll be able to play well no matter what sport you are involved in.
"We felt it today. All of us were on the same page. Communication was excellent. It was simple. Then for me, being accurate, making quick decision, getting the ball out my hand and letting my guys make plays made all the difference. It was also great to run game, which was amazing.
Left tackle Cam Robinson (ankle), right guard A.J. Jawaan Taylor, right tackle, was the only one to start the game after Cann (reserve/COVID-19) was out. The Jaguars began Walker Little as a rookie left tackle, Tre'Vour Wallace Simms, a second-year player, at left guard; Tyler Shatley, a veteran backup, was at center; and Will Richardson Jr., fourth year, at right guard.
Robinson, Linder, and Norwell will be back in the September 12 opener against Houston.
In the preseason, the Jaguars' offense had only scored three points. Lawrence had completed 20 out of 32 passes for 184 yards and lost to New Orleans and Cleveland. Meyer declared that he would like to see the offense score "some damn points" after naming Lawrence the season's starter on Wednesday.
The Jaguars scored their first possession, and the first-team offense ran for 159 yards on its three drives. Darrell Bevell, offensive coordinator, mixed elements from the spread offense Lawrence used at Clemson with some quick throws and bubble screens.
Lawrence stated, "It's good feeling -- a lot more feeling coming into locker room today than it was last week." "Just one step in a positive direction. You have to keep improving. They'll be counted for real. We are putting all we have into Houston. This gave us a lot more confidence for the season. It was nice to end the preseason with a win like that.
