Trevor Lawrence impressed by 'unbelievable plays' from CFL record-holder

After the game, Jags head coach Doug Pederson said that Rourke did a good job leading the offense in the second half.

"The toughness and poise in the pocket, with a couple of guys on him … to make that throw … I haven't seen too many plays like that even in a preseason game," Pederson said.

Starting QB Trevor Lawrence walked away impressed by Rourke's showing as well, saying he "had some unbelievable plays."

"He won the game for us," Lawrence said. 

Winning games and turning heads isn't anything new for Rourke, who was prolific last season for the CFL's BC Lions. Rourke completed 78.7 percent of his passes in 2022, a CFL record. This came after a successful collegiate career for Ohio University where Rourke was a dangerous dual-threat QB. Rourke won three consecutive bowl games for the Bobcats and threw 60 passing touchdowns while rushing for 49 scores in his three-year career. 

Rourke's main competition on the Jaguars depth chart is backup and veteran CJ Beathard. While Beathard has starting experience in the NFL, Rourke's night was more impressive compared to Beathard's 6-of-13 line for 80 yards. Rourke will need strong showings in practice and in the final two preseason games to dethrone Beathard or even make the roster, but things are trending in the right direction for the former CFL stud.

Rourke said it was fun to be out there and display his capabilities. 

"You get to show them what you got," Rourke said. "You can't really do with the plays in practice. It's a good stepping-off point that we will continue to build on."

There's a chance Rourke's output against the Cowboys will be his finest moment in the NFL, or maybe he'll stick around and play someday when the games really count. At the very least, Rourke represents why football fans love preseason ball. It's always easy rooting for an underdog.