Story by
Bright spots in losses: Jaguars rookies Antonio Johnson, Parker Washington stepping up
- Story by
- Bright spots in losses: Jaguars rookies Antonio Johnson, Parker Washington stepping up
Two rookies have emerged to make a handful of big plays for the Jaguars during their two-game losing streak.
Wide receiver Parker Washington, a sixth-round draft pick, caught his second touchdown pass in two games from quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Sunday's 31-27 loss at Cleveland and defensive back Antonio Johnson, a fifth-round selection, had a sack, forced a fumble and batted down a pass.
Advertisement
Washington, who caught his first pass as an NFL player in a 34-31 loss on Dec. 4 against Cincinnati , has eight receptions for 88 yards in the last two games.
Gene Frenette: Jaguars can't use WR Christian Kirk's absence as excuse for losing to Browns
Johnson has six tackles and two assists in the last two games as he's gotten his most extensive work on defense with 39 snaps, after getting just four defensive plays in his previous six games. Johnson also has displayed his versatility, playing both safety positions and nickel corner.
"He showed quite a bit … his ability to blitz, his physicality," Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said of Johnson on Monday at the Miller Electric Center. "I think the more he plays the better he'll get. He did a nice job … one of the bright spots of the game."
Jaguars rookie wide receiver Parker Washington dives into the end zone for a touchdown during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Johnson continues to carry a heavy workload on special teams. He had 20 defensive snaps and 30 special-teams snaps against the Browns , and 19 defensive snaps and 20 special-teams snaps against the Bengals.
Advertisement
Washington's TD pass came with 8:52 left in the game and cut the Browns' lead to 28-21.
However, Washington's fumble in the third quarter at the Jaguars' 22 led to a Cleveland touchdown.
"They've got to minimize those … really eliminate those," Pederson said of the mistakes. "But they're showing promise, showing why we drafted them. And this late in the season, these young guys are going to be called upon."
Washington has been seeing double duty, filling in for Christian Kirk on offense and Jamal Agnew on defense. Unfortunately, he has the fumble on the pass reception against the Browns and in the Bengals game he muffed a punt (that he recovered himself) and ran the wrong route causing Lawrence to hesitate on the play where he injured his ankle.
Jaguars rookie safety Antonio Johnson trips up Cincinnati tight end Tanner Hudson during their Monday Night game on Dec. 4 at EverBank Stadium.
"Those are the things as a young player, he has to understand, right?" Pederson said about Washington mixing good plays with the bad. "Obviously we've got a lot of confidence as a staff in him … yeah, big shoes to fill with those two jobs."
Advertisement
Doug Pederson comments on injuries
The Jaguars added a couple of players to their long injury list against the Browns, offensive lineman Ezra Cleeland (knee) and safety Andre Cisco (groin).
Pederson said those two would be evaluated on a day-to-day basis for their availability on Sunday night against Baltimore (8:20 p.m., NBC).
"Everything checked out good this morning [on Cleveland]," Pederson said. "Cisco has a groin ... those are a little bit different ... much like hamstring or quad, so he'll obviously be day-to-day."
Pederson said he is optimistic that offensive tackle Walker Little (hamstring) might get some practice reps this week, which would help the offensive line's depth issues.
Advertisement
Lawrence came through the Browns game with no additional issues about the high ankle sprain he suffered against the Bengals and said Lawrence should be able to practice on Wednesday.
"We'll be careful with him," Pederson said.
Pederson also said there is a possibility that the 21-day activation window might open for Agnew.
Jaguars pre-snap penalties an issue
The Jaguars had five pre-snap offensive penalties against the Browns, including two delay-of-game penalties.
In the last three games, the Jags offensive has been hit with 13 pre-snap penalties. It's been eight in the past two weeks: five false starts (by four linemen) and three delay of game flags.
Advertisement
Pederson was candid in saying that the problems have been cropping up during the team's preparations for the games.
"Quite honestly, they show up in practice during the week … that's where it starts," he said. "I'm a big believer that you're going to play like you practice. When you don't have the crisp practice during the week, sometimes those things can creep into a game. It gets magnified in a ballgame. Everything matters. Those are things that are concerning and alarming because those are things that are holding the offense back right now."
According to nflpenalties.com, the Jaguars are tied for second in the NFL with 38 pre-snap penalties, one behind leader Indianapolis . Ten of the Jaguars' penalties have been declined and three were off-setting.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Antonio Johnson, Parker Washington stepping up to make plays for Jaguars
