The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Week 1 as the youngest team in the NFL, but their inexperience hasn’t been as much of an issue as some have expected. While the team is currently down 14-7 to the Indianapolis Colts, they’ve had contributions from several key young players in their season opener.
In the first quarter the Jags got a huge interception from first-round pick C.J. Henderson on veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who attempted a pass to T.Y. Hilton. Henderson was also able to get a return off the pick putting the Jags on the Colts’ 27 yard line.
1st NFL game.
1st Interception.@HendersonChris_ comes up with a huge play!#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/YZGYSz1D22— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) September 13, 2020
Not too soon after that, Gardner Minshew II and D.J. Chark Jr. linked up for the Jags’ first score of the year. To put the Jags on the scoreboard, Chark got behind the Colts’ defense in the back of the end zone.
That @GardnerMinshew5 to @DJChark82 connection 😍#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/jJWkjsHrXo
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) September 13, 2020
The Colts unfortunately struck back with a touchdown to put them up 14-7, but the Jags came back with a right hand of their own in the form of rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. After driving down the field mostly with the help of Keelan Cole and James Robinson (who has looked great), Minshew hit Shenault for an 18-yard touchdown reception.
1st game, 1st touchdown for @Viska2live #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/Lrig3yN0jQ
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) September 13, 2020
The Jags’ young roster now have one half to close the Colts 17-14 deficit, but things certainly haven’t gone terribly for a Jags roster that has 18 rookies on it. If they can finish strong and tighten up on defense, they may be due to shock the nation by starting their season 1-0.
