Moeller: With A Rising Jaguars' Defense, Lawrence Must Raise His Game
For the first
time in three seasons, the Jaguars’ defense has gained respectability.
(See the
offensive issue down below.)
They’ll head
into San Francisco late Sunday afternoon allowing 17 points per game, which is
the league’s fifth best. Their 292 total yards is the 10th best overall,
209.3 passing (17th) and a paltry 82 rushing (fourth).
First=year
coordinator Anthony Campanile has the Jags among the league’s elite, and they’ll
playing like it. Granted, they’ve faced three losing teams, but the Jags’
defense is looking confident and composed.
The unit
will get a major test facing the 49ers, who likely will be without tight end
George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy, and they’ll likely be reunited with
former teammate Mac Jones, who has done his share to help them to a 3-0 record.
Still, the
signs point to the defense to have another stellar day. Overcoming the Texans’
jinx last week should have been enough to keep them over the top.
The real
problem Sunday afternoon is on the other side of the ball. Try Trevor Lawrence.
With new
head coach and offensive guru Liam Coen, Lawrence was supposed to unlock the
missing part of his potential to allow him become the predicted generational player
in year five.
It hasn’t happened.
Through
three games, Lawrence has completed just 55 percent of his passes with four touchdowns
and four interceptions for a QBR 0f 43.1. He has just 25 yards rushing, and has
thrown an interception in six of his last seven starts. Since his rookie season,
Lawrence has 22 lost fumbles, the most by any quarterback.
This is not
what Jaguars’ fans expected.
Yes,
Lawrence did appear to find is mark in 2022 when he led the team on miraculous
playoff run. He completed 66 percent of his passes with 25 touchdowns, nine
interceptions, and over 4,000 yards.
Lawrence
showed some further progression in 2023, but injuries and inconsistencies have
clouded the picture the last two seasons.
Apparently
full healthy this season a re-energized and newly schemed defense, Lawrence has
to take it upon himself this season. Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, Justin Herbert
and possibly Tua Tagovailoa have reached another level as they enter year six. Jones
is in the same year as Lawrence, as his path was derailed in New England.
Lawrence
will face a 49ers defense that recently lost Nick Bosa for the season, and they
have managed to keep it together despite being banged-up overall. He does have
a grand opportunity to open up his season in San Francisco.
Things won’t
get any easier with the Chiefs looming the following Monday night and then the
Seahawks, both at EverBank before they will meet the Rams in London.
With the
defense rising, and the AFC South division still within reach in spite of the
Colts’ sudden strides, it’s time for Lawrence to finally establish himself as
the quarterback everyone expected him to be.
