The Jacksonville Jaguars are due to blow some things up. They’re committed to changing their offensive identity as they head into what is a very important 2025 NFL campaign. Under the direction and guidance of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the team has made some *big* moves to rebuild its roster. They’ve added critical pass catchers who are primed to take their passing attack to another level. The Jaguars’ new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, believes that these changes could lead to a more dynamic and explosive offense.
It’s easy to forget now, but for most of his first three seasons, Trevor Lawrence was a miserable failure. Even still, on the year he’s connected on 27.6% of his 105 attempts over 25 air miles, totaling 1217 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His lack of success could not be more opposite from his track history at Clemson. There, he finished 46th on 126 attempts for the 1,968 yards and 22 touchdowns on significantly lower success throws.
This disparity raises questions about the Jaguars’ offensive capabilities and whether the new roster changes can elevate Lawrence’s game. During the past two seasons, he struggled with a lack of timing and help from his pass catchers. Because of that, he often found himself near the bottom of the league in time to throw deep. With half a dozen big name newcomers making their way to Duvall, Lawrence will be working with a largely new supporting cast. Receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown, and tight ends Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt signed on to elevate the game.
New offensive coordinator Liam Coen has sounded bullish on the team’s trajectory. He stated, “We’ve definitely addressed the ability to strike from a distance,” emphasizing the team’s focus on creating big-play opportunities. Including the undrafted free agents, this year the Jaguars fielded five rookie offensive players. Among them is the highly touted two-sided prospect Travis Hunter, who should make a seriously eye-opening impact. Hunter comes with some impressive credentials, highlighted by an FBS-leading 16 catches of 20 yards or more last year while at Colorado.
Brian Thomas Jr. was one of the most improved players in the country this season. He tallied 18 receptions of 20 yards or more and seven receptions of 40 yards or more, good enough for eighth among all NFL pass catchers. Coen thinks by putting Hunter opposite Thomas, it will put the opposing defense in a bind and create some advantageous matchups for Lawrence.
Coen went on to explain the need for big-play potential in his offensive attack. “I think that that’s something that we just struggled to do a little bit in Tampa last season when I was the offensive coordinator,” he remarked. You just had to get in 10-, 12-play drives quite a bit. It was terrible, to be frank… but it was effective. That’s not really true—your goal is to be as explosive as possible in the run game and the pass game.
It’s worth noting the Jaguars made massive investments to their offensive line in free agency and the draft to help Lawrence excel. Even with a highly explosive and risky game plan, Coen said he has confidence in their roster’s ability to execute it. He further referenced that they’re not intending to add any additional players at this time.
The Jaguars’ new quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be greatly aided by the prospect of playing alongside new players such as Thomas and Hunter. Hunter herself has previously said that she’s looking forward to studying under Lawrence. “He will be big for me. He did a great job his rookie season,” Hunter stated. He also emphasized his desire to absorb as much knowledge from Lawrence as possible: “I’ve got a lot to improve on myself. Well, I’m going to grill him with as many questions as possible. I think he’ll be really frustrated with me because I ask a million questions or something.
The Jaguars’ changes come at a crucial time for Lawrence as he looks to improve upon his performance and solidify his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. He’s got a new group of playmakers surrounding him, highlighted by Hunter and Thomas. This interesting support provides him the opportunity to dramatically change his game for the better.
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