Even for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, having a rough season and dealing with a career-low completion rate of 55.8%, this is a rough outing. Through all of those challenges, he has accomplished the nearly impossible. He has passed for 671 yards with four touchdown passes and four interceptions on the season so far. The offense has been a huge issue, and that’s in part due to a league-high ten drops and 13 illegal motion/formation penalties as well.
Liam Coen, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, remains optimistic about Lawrence’s development. He pointed out that Lawrence has made great advancements in learning the offense, which is hugely important for playing fast and free. Coen, too, sounded optimistic that the offense will soon start to operate with greater effectiveness.
Lawrence’s struggles have been compounded by his offensive line’s inability to protect him effectively. In the loss to Houston this past week, he combated the albatross of six dropped passes. This performance had a very real effect on his completion percentage. With those issues aside, Coen still feels that Lawrence has shown to be more productive than his three-sack total looks on the surface.
“In some ways he’s playing better than the stats indicate, for sure.” – Liam Coen
Some of the most glowing reviews have come from coaches on Lawrence’s ability to quickly change in-game. Just last week he changed a called run to a pass. This change to the protection scheme showed not only his conviction of the offense’s intricacies but his tactical awareness. So a guy that is confident in terms of his operations on the field, the things he’s doing and every week he’s getting better.
“I feel really good operating [the offense]. I think every week it’s growing a little bit more and more. I think I’m seeing it really clearly.” – Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly during their game-winning drive in last week’s victory over Houston. That drive featured a career long, eye-popping 46-yard catch-and-run by Lawrence. This was a chance to see what’s possible in the team when it’s operating at peak ability.
Though the Jaguars have struggled during Lawrence’s first few games of the season, Coen has been heartened by Lawrence’s work ethic and dedication. He stressed that one key thing – diligent work preparing every week with opponents’ game plans – has paid huge dividends.
“I’ve been very pleased with his preparation. He has worked extremely hard throughout the week at studying the plan.” – Liam Coen
Fresh off their upset of the Buffalo Bills, the Jaguars turn their attention to a San Francisco team that represents yet another colossal test. After all, the 49ers currently boast one of the league’s top defensive units. They’ve only given up an average of 16.3 points per game and are fifth in the nation in fewest passing yards allowed.
Whatever happens this season, Coen is optimistic about their future—which he hopes the Jaguars can build on. He observed that signs of efficiency have already started to show through their play.
“I think we’re getting there. You saw glimpses within the first two weeks.” – Liam Coen
The team’s eye test through their first four games still gave fans some hope, as they were averaging 24.3 points per game and 223 passing yards per game. Take their last 13 games combined and it’s a different story, as they scored 31.2 points and threw for an average of 258.8 yards per game.
The numbers speak for themselves and indicate an urgent need for change. Lawrence and his coaches are intent on removing all self-inflicted wounds and raising the performance level across the board as they prepare to welcome a superior foe in San Francisco to town.
Leave a Reply