Mac Jones got his first win as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday despite throwing two picks.
The Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans, 10-6, to snap their five-game losing streak. Jones took over for the injured Trevor Lawrence last week after the veteran quarterback was hit in the head and placed into the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Jones, who was traded to Jacksonville from the New England Patriots earlier this year, played well last week but was dealt a loss. Even though the Jaguars have been eliminated from playoff contention this year, Jones has an opportunity in front of him with Lawrence sidelined.
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“I’m excited for him to really lead our football team. And now he knows, too, moving forward that he’s going to be out there, he’s going to be the guy,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson told reporters after the game. “The second half of last week to this week, just some things that we can continue to build, and he can build upon but excited for him obviously getting that first win.”
Lawrence was placed on injured reserve last week. He’ll be able to fully recover from his concussion as well as rehab the shoulder he injured earlier this season. That paved the way for Jones to be the starter for likely the remainder of the year.
Jones went 23-of-31 for 220 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. It’s been a difficult season for the Jaguars, who are 3-10 after Sunday’s win, but Jones was happy to get a victory nonetheless.
“Honestly, it was good for us,” Jones told CBS Sports’ AJ Ross. “It’s tough to win in the NFL. I’ve learned that the hard way. You’ll take any win you can get.”
Next up for Jones and the Jaguars is Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets — who were eliminated from the postseason after Sunday’s loss.
