Parker Washington’s latest performance didn’t just help the Jaguars win in London. It put him in the kind of company that turns heads.
Washington was the difference in Jacksonville’s 19-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, piling up six catches for 124 yards while scoring both of the Jaguars’ touchdowns. One came early, on a 51-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter. The other came late and left plenty of people talking.
With 3:20 remaining and Jacksonville facing fourth-and-5, Trevor Lawrence uncorked a 27-yard pass to Washington. He secured it with one hand over cornerback Riq Woolen, and the grab gave the Jaguars a 16-14 lead.
That play drew plenty of attention on ESPN’s “NFL Live,” where Mina Kimes credited the confidence Liam Coen has brought to Lawrence since arriving last season.
“I love that he still trusted Parker Washington enough to throw it downfield for that incredible catch,” Kimes said.
Marcus Spears went a step further, noting that Washington doesn’t look like the sort of receiver built for those kinds of contested throws - which made Lawrence’s decision even bolder.
“Your size doesn’t lend itself to 50-50 balls, and Trevor just throws that mug anyway,” Spears said. “He’s so tough. Steve Smith, to me.”
The comparison to the former Carolina Panthers star - a five-time Pro Bowler known for his stocky frame and fearless style - was quickly echoed on the set.
“I literally was just about to say Steve,” came the reply on set. “Not as much of an edge, but just that stocky body.”
“I love that he still trusted Parker Washington enough to throw it down field for that incredible catch.” @minakimes and the NFL Live crew discuss Parker Washington drawing Steve Smith comparisons in Jacksonville 👀 pic.twitter.com/2w7vslNb9c
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 13, 2026
Washington has been stacking up production all season, and Sunday only strengthened the case that he’s becoming Lawrence’s go-to threat downfield. Through five games, he has 22 receptions for 352 yards and four touchdowns.
Jacksonville needed every bit of it. Cam Little ended the game with a 57-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Jaguars to 4-1 and keeping them atop the AFC South. ESPN noted that Jacksonville is now 12-1 over its last 13 games.
The Jaguars will remain in London for Week 6, when they meet the Houston Texans in a key division matchup.
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Parker Washington's Breakout Just Earned Praise Jaguars Fans Will Love
Parker Washington has become one of the quiet bright spots in Jacksonvilles 4-1 start, and his surge is showing up at just the right time during the Jaguars three-game winning streak. The second-year receiver, a sixth-round pick in 2023, made his biggest splash yet in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, finishing with six catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns while continuing to pile up production after a steady early-season role.
The performance drew praise from Tom Brady, a nod that carried real weight for a young player still building his name in the league. Washington said he appreciated the recognition, and the numbers suggest this is no fluke, as hes on pace to top his previous seasons output and give Jacksonville another reliable weapon as the wins keep coming. [Read more 🡒]