Jacksonville opened preseason with a measured, upbeat showing that reinforced the hope around Trevor Lawrence’s growth arc. Lawrence looked calm, delivered with punch, and got good ball placement even as a revamped line adjusted to new calls. The defense faced a Steelers unit with backups, but the plan—especially the shift toward zone looks—suggests a team rapidly building cohesion. The kicker story was the night’s spark: Cam Little blasted a 70-yarder that shifted the mood and could quietly alter late-game strategy this season.

Another early headline: Parker Washington’s emergence and the depth at wide receiver. The running-game competition remained fluid with Etienne Jr. in the mix, while the line showed improvements behind Harrison and Walker Little. Devin Lloyd and Yasir Abdullah flashed, providing a glimpse of the revamped defense’s ceiling. With Mullens handling mop-up duty and a kicker who can hit from distance, the Jaguars’ blueprint for close games looks more plausible this year.

Fantasy angle: Lawrence’s comfort coupled with a reliable kicking game raises Jaguars’ floor in one-score games. The improved line and expanded receiving corps could lift multiple pass-catchers, while Lloyd’s presence behind the front seven hints at stronger run defense and more speed in coverage. The next test will refine the rotation, but the early signs are encouraging for managers hunting upside in Jacksonville.