Moeller: Lawrence Finally Heading Toward Reaching His Generational-Player Potential

 

By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire

The Jaguars’ 28-point playoff game comeback over the Chargers in 2022 still stands as one of their all-time signature wins.

Back then, it was seen as Trevor Lawrence’s coming out party as the generational player many expected, and the Jags were ready to reach another level.

Unfortunately, Lawrence never reached that level, mainly due to injuries and inconsistencies. In turn, the team took a turn in the opposite direction. 

Their last-second 31-28 victory over the Chiefs Monday night may have topped it. And Lawrence once again showed his anticipated potential, and the team is on its way to another level with their 4-1 record.

This was one of Lawrence’s finest performances, as he remained poised battling through his share of adversity - his 22nd lost fumble in his career - and never lost his composure and concentration like he has in the past.

However, was Lawrence convincing enough to keep pulling the Jaguars out of their state of mediocrity in recent years?

No one will soon forget his goal-line stumble, his recovery, and his sense to find the end zone in the final 23 seconds.

It couldn’t have been written any better. 

So far, it has been that kind of storybook season. Monday’s win could be a telltale sign of a double-digit season for the first time since Doug Marrone and Jack DelRio roamed the sidelines.

 Lawrence showed the national audience and the football world that he can use his legs instead of throwing the ill-advised pass, being the Jags’ leading rusher and finding the end zone on the ground twice. 

He answered the critics about his below-average overall game with a smooth 18-for-25, 221-yard performance. Yes, he threw what looked like another bad interception, but it was more of a communication breakdown with his receiver. 

Overall, though, this was the Lawrence we haven’t seen in three seasons, the then second-year  rising star who once had the Jags on a rapidly rising upward trajectory to becoming one of the AFC’s elite.

Lawrence seemingly has it all surrounding him, too. Travis Hunter has shown he can be a dynamic playmaker, and the Jags’ running game behind Travis Etienne has  a real presence. Hunter’s emergence has taken the pressure off Brian Thomas Jr, who had a solid game Monday night. There’s also plenty of other developing targets such as Brenton Strange, Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington.

You can’t ask for a better performance from the Jags’ defense, which has tightened its secondary, and are a league-leading plus-eight in turnover differential and also have a league-high 10 interceptions. 

Linebacker Devin Lloyd, once considered a potential all-pro, has reached that level. His 99-yard pick six and two other picks this season along with his overall play has him on that track this season. In case you missed it, the Jags played without Travon Walker Monday night, but didn't seem to miss a beat. 

Are they a Super Bowl contender? It’s too early. But the Jags have two games with the upstart 4-1 Colts to decide the division.

However, the focus has turned to Lawrence.

 It’s on him to take the lead role and  avoid the inconsistencies and injuries that have checkered his past, especially with a strong, supporting cast around him. 

He can take another convincing step forward with a win over Seattle at the Bank Sunday.