The Jaguars are taking it to the Browns in Todd Monken’s debut as head coach and Deshaun Watson’s return to the starting lineup.
Jacksonville scored on each of its first four possessions and is up 24-0 at halftime.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was 13-of-18 for 166 yards with three touchdowns in the first half. Parker Washington, Brenton Strange, and rookie Josh Cameron were the recipients of Lawrence’s scoring strikes.
The Jags outgained the Browns 234-95 in the first half. They have 16 first downs to Cleveland’s five. Jacksonville was also 4-of-6 on third down while Cleveland was 0-of-4.
As bad as Watson was the last time he played in 2024, he might be worse now. The quarterback tossed an interception to linebacker Foyesade Oluokun to end Cleveland’s first possession. He nearly threw another pick to end the Browns’ second drive, but the pass fell incomplete. He was strip-sacked on the third possession, but was able to recover the fumble.
He didn’t get anything positive going until a two-minute drive late in the second quarter, with a 20-yard completion to Jerry Jeudy. But then pre-snap and holding penalties derailed the drive and the Browns came away empty handed.
Watson was 8-of-13 for 75 yards with one interception in the first half. Quinshon Judkins had just 14 yards on five carries.
The Jaguars will receive the second-half kickoff.