The NFL’s main objective with its new kickoff rules was to make the play fun again; to limit touchbacks and revitalize returns.
If the Jaguars’ first try at the play is any indication, mission accomplished.
Back deep alongside running back Tank Bigsby on Jacksonville’s first kickoff return of the 2024 preseason, wide receiver Parker Washington hauled the ball in, weaved his way between Kansas City defenders and pushed down the field for a massive pickup.
Washington took the kick back 73 yards, the longest kickoff return of the preseason and under the new rules up until that point, per NFL GSIS.
Watch Washington’s return below.
“I’m Parker Washington.” – Parker Washington@CPW11_ | #KCvsJAX on CBS pic.twitter.com/tzjVrqujvG
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 10, 2024
Jacksonville’s offensive quickly capitalized on Washington’s big gain. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected with running back Travis Etienne Jr. on a seven-yard touchdown pass four plays later.
Washington returned a Kansas City punt for 13 yards to set up the Jaguars’ second offensive drive shortly after.
Lawrence and the Jaguars’ coaching staff have been complimentary of Washington, Jacksonville’s sixth-round draft pick in 2023, throughout his second offseason with the club. He entered the NFL recently removed from an ankle injury suffered at Penn State.
“Parker Washington has looked great. We’ve talked about it before I think, but from last year to this year, such an improvement on just the way he’s played,” Lawrence said on Thursday.
“I mentioned that last time he started off a little injured and it was hard for him to kind of get going because it was straight into training camp and he had to roll and didn’t have [offseason team activities] to get settled in. So, to see him this year, it’s been cool to see his transformation and how good he looks, honestly. I’ve been really impressed.”
Washington caught 16 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns during his rookie season with the Jaguars.
