In his first season as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Liam Coen is placing a significant challenge on quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the team enters what many view as a pivotal year. Although Coen was not part of the organization when Lawrence was chosen first overall in the 2021 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, the Jaguars’ confidence in Coen’s ability to elevate Lawrence’s performance is evident. The team recently rewarded their 25-year-old quarterback with a five-year contract extension valued at up to $275 million, underscoring their commitment ahead of this critical season.
Coen Emphasizes Team Effort to Support Lawrence’s Development
Coen openly acknowledged that while Lawrence’s performance is crucial, success will depend on collective improvement across the roster. The coach stressed the importance of improving the running game and creating defensive turnovers to alleviate pressure on Lawrence’s shoulders.
“We need him to play well, but we’re going to have to play well around him and help him,”
Coen explained.
“We’ve got to run the football better to help Trevor Lawrence. We’ve got to turn over the ball more on defense to help Trevor Lawrence. But Trevor needs to take it over, and he’s done a phenomenal job of learning the system, putting in the time and work.”
Outside Evaluations Raise Questions About Lawrence’s Status
Despite the Jaguars’ investment in Lawrence, external assessments by NFL experts express some skepticism about his standing among the league’s elite quarterbacks. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that in a survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts, Lawrence was not ranked among the top ten quarterbacks heading into 2025. This assessment contrasts sharply with his lucrative contract in Jacksonville compared to peers like Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, who have notably smaller deals.
Statistically, Lawrence’s 2024 regular season placed him 17th among qualified NFL players with a 59.5 adjusted QBR, 28th in passer rating at 85.2, and 35th in completion percentage at 60.6%. However, Lawrence appears to have a strong grasp of the Jaguars’ offense, having scored 85 out of 100 on an offensive knowledge test administered at training camp.
Lawrence’s Command of the Offense Evident in Practice
Coen highlighted Lawrence’s mastery of the team’s complex offensive system during practices and meetings.
“He blew the doors off (the test),”
Coen remarked.
“And it’s showed (in practice). It’s showed in his command of the huddle, the way he calls plays. He’s being asked a lot on every single play.”
This praise suggests that Lawrence is embracing his role as the team’s offensive leader even under the new regime.
Durability Concerns Cast a Shadow on Lawrence’s Prospects
Lawrence’s ability to remain healthy has been a persistent concern for the Jaguars. The quarterback missed significant time last season after undergoing shoulder surgery following a second concussion within a year. He also dealt with soreness in his throwing arm earlier this summer, fueling doubts about his endurance in a full NFL campaign. The Jaguars will need Lawrence to participate in all 17 regular-season games if Coen’s vision for the offense is to be realized.
Lawrence Expresses Optimism in Jaguars’ Offensive Scheme
Despite the pressure and past injuries, Lawrence remains optimistic about the direction of the team’s offense. He expressed confidence in Coen’s system, noting its adaptability to different quarterback and receiver skill sets.
“I have a ton of confidence in what we’re doing, and that feels really good,”
Lawrence said.
“From a scheme perspective, I’ve never been in a system like this. I’ve seen it work with other teams and players, and you can plug and play all these different types of quarterbacks and receivers, and they’ve all had success. That makes me excited for the group we have.”
New Additions Could Elevate Lawrence’s Performance
The Jaguars added promising rookie Travis Hunter to bolster their offense, giving Lawrence a new weapon to work with. Although it remains uncertain how much Hunter will play, his talent could play a major role in enhancing Lawrence’s production. If Hunter lives up to expectations, Lawrence could potentially have a career-best season under Coen’s guidance.
Outlook for Lawrence and the Jaguars This Season
As the Jaguars approach a potentially defining season under Liam Coen, the pressure mounts on Trevor Lawrence to validate the team’s substantial investment and the coaching staff’s confidence. With concerns surrounding Lawrence’s health and external doubts about his ranking among NFL quarterbacks, this year could reveal whether Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback can thrive with a revamped offense. Success this season may signal a turning point for both Lawrence’s career and the Jaguars’ fortunes in the NFL.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to the person who hit Trevor Lawrence?
A. Lawrence had surgery on his shoulder on December 17. He said on Thursday he hopes to be completely healed by the 2025 regular season. “I’m unsure of the precise timeline,” Lawrence mentioned, noting that his left arm will remain in a sling for another two and a half weeks.
Q. Did the player that hit Trevor Lawrence get fined?
A. It wasn’t unexpected when Azeez Al-Shaair, a Texans linebacker, received a fine for his tackle on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Q. Why did they pay Trevor Lawrence so much?
A. The Jaguars aren’t just paying him for his past performances. They believe he will help them consistently compete for a Super Bowl.
They expect him to improve, especially as he becomes more familiar with coach Doug Pederson’s offensive strategies.