As the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to ascend, so does young wide receiver Parker Washington. Will he be able to replicate his success against the Denver Broncos in Week 2?
Entering Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, the Jacksonville Jaguars have received some positive endorsements around the NFL media world, with multiple esteemed analysts marking Trevor Lawrence as an MVP candidate, and the team being viewed as a postseason contender.
NFL Films Executive Producer and Analyst Greg Cosell joined the Ross Tucker Podcast on Friday morning, where he talked about the additional element Parker Washington has brought to Jacksonville's passing game.
"My new bromance is Parker Washington, I really like that guy as a receiver," Cosell said. "I think he's got a little bit of Amon-Ra St. Brown in his game."
Cosell noted Washington's ability to play in-and-out of the slot, while saying he provides toughness and competitiveness to Jacksonville's wide receiving corps.
In Week 1, Washington led all receivers with 83 yards, hauling in five catches and finding the endzone on a diving catch.
With just over eight minutes to play in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns, Washington got free on a post-corner, extending for a highlight grab.
The 30-yard score opened the floodgates for Jacksonville's offense, who would extend the lead to 24-0 by halftime.
For Washington, this score marked a third-straight game with a touchdown, dating back to last year's 27-24 playoff defeat.
Now, he will face off against one of the top secondaries in the NFL in the Broncos, looking to replicate the success he found against them last season.
With Denver riding a ten-game win streak, Jacksonville walked into Empower Field at Mile High Stadium and dominated offensively.
Washington led the way, with a career-high 145 receiving yards and a touchdown, breaking free for multiple big plays.
With Brian Thomas Jr. battling injury, Washington will be expected to once again carry the load, as he continues to make his case for a lucrative extension.
Contract negotiations between Washington and the front office had gone on throughout the offseason, but no agreement was found.
Ahead of Week 1, General Manager James Gladstone assured media that he will not shy away from attempting to extend his young receiver throughout the season.
Doing so sooner rather than later could save the Jaguars some significant money down the line, as Washington continues to break out in his expanded role.
Washington has remained focused, however, saying that he is confident his new deal will work itself out.
With a big performance against Denver on Sunday, Washington could move his way into bonafide lead receiver discussions going forward.
