Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence: 'I need to really turn it on'

Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback and 2021 No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, has experienced significant ups and downs during his first four seasons. His rookie year was marked by interception struggles, followed by a strong second season where he earned a Pro Bowl selection and led an epic playoff comeback. However, his 2023 campaign was again plagued by interceptions, and an injury-marred 2024 saw him and the Jaguars' offense struggle throughout Doug Pederson's final season as coach.

Entering his fifth season and carrying the weight of a massive contract extension signed last year ($55 million annually), Lawrence feels an urgency to reset his career trajectory. He expressed on the Pardon My Take podcast that he believes he is entering his prime and needs to "really turn it on," praising the team's offseason moves as a positive start. Lawrence's career has featured streaks of elite, top-five quarterback play, but these have been consistently undermined by turnover issues, offensive inconsistency, mental errors, and surrounding deficiencies like offensive line play and lack of playmakers.

The Jaguars' offense struggled significantly in 2024 even before Lawrence suffered a season-ending concussion on December 1st. In his 10 appearances, he surpassed 300 passing yards only twice and failed to reach 200 yards in six games. While he has faced substantial criticism for the team's mediocre results, the Jaguars have actively worked this offseason to support him. Key moves include hiring offensive coordinator Liam Coen, drafting wide receiver Travis Hunter, and upgrading the offensive line.

Lawrence has voiced strong enthusiasm for the new offensive system under Coen, stating it fits his skill set better than previous schemes and praising the new staff and free-agent additions. On paper, the Jaguars appear much improved. While optimism exists for a swift turnaround, the article notes that pressure remains high, especially on the highly paid quarterback, and early-season struggles could quickly sour expectations.

The article also includes brief updates on other NFL news: Rams WR Puka Nacua is excited to play with new teammate Davante Adams; the New York Jets signed CB Sauce Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million extension; the Los Angeles Chargers revealed new uniforms, including a gold "Charger Power" alternate jersey and powder blue pants; and the Kansas City Chiefs signed G Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million extension with $70 million guaranteed.