Trevor Lawrence, who was considered a generational talent after his impressive performance at Clemson, has had a rough start in his first three seasons in the NFL. Unfortunately, he is now being labeled as overrated and a disappointment, thanks to the narrative spreading across social media. It’s important to analyze the situation closer to determine whether Lawrence is truly at fault for his struggles or if other factors at play are beyond his control.
Trevor Lawrence Is Going To Prove He Was Worth the Hype
Can Lawrence Still Be a Generational Talent?
Of course! Lawrence’s struggles in the NFL do not stem from a lack of talent or leadership on his part. He still possesses the football intelligence and arm talent that earned him the title of generational talent. It is unfair to assume that he cannot live up to the hype without accounting for the challenges he has faced since entering the NFL. A more detailed analysis of his experiences could provide some context.
Rookie Year: A Disaster at Head Coach
Urban Meyer’s tenure as head coach was a disaster for Trevor Lawrence’s rookie season. Meyer’s unstable behavior both on and off the field affected the team’s performance. His time as head coach was marred with controversy, such as the accusations of kicking his kicker during practice and inappropriate behavior towards a woman who was not his wife, which made him a laughingstock around the NFL. On the field, Meyer was equally incompetent, never grasping what he was doing at the NFL level. Failed experiments like Tim Tebow at tight end showed that Meyer was not ready for the NFL. Therefore, it is unfair to hold Lawrence’s rookie season against him since the team was nothing but a distraction.
New Coach, New Lawrence
Urban Meyer left the team and as the Jaguars prepared for the 2022 season, they needed to prove their commitment to winning. In a great move, they hired Doug Pederson, a Super Bowl-winning coach who had been fired following the 2021 season. The Jaguars wanted to ensure that Trevor Lawrence continued to develop, so they brought in Pederson, who they believed could help. This turned out to be a perfect match, as Lawrence had a remarkable improvement in the following season. He had fewer turnovers and more touchdowns, despite an underwhelming supporting cast. Lawrence won games with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, who were previously considered second or third options at best. The Jaguars finally seemed to be on the right track, with the groundwork laid for a great team for years to come. Lawrence showcased the generational talent he was expected to have.
Having a Sophomore Slump a Year Late
Lawrence had a great 2022 season and the NFL world was buzzing with excitement before the start of the 2023 season. He even worked his way into MVP conversations after Calvin Ridley was added to the receiving room. However, things didn’t go as planned. Lawrence seemed to have hit a delayed sophomore slump and lacked confidence and poise on the field. Although his counting stats were okay, it was evident that his performance was not up to the mark. Despite leading the Jaguars to an 8-3 record by Week 12, Lawrence’s play was not the reason for their success. Unfortunately, injuries started to pile up and Lawrence had to play with an injured ankle until the end of the year. This resulted in the Jaguars’ collapse ending with a final record of 9-8.
Why He Can Turn It Around
Lawrence is an exceptional quarterback with all-world arm talent and football IQ. Despite his struggles and inconsistency, they are willing to pay him the big bucks because of his undeniable potential. However, some of the challenges Lawrence has faced are beyond his control. The Jaguars’ front office has not provided Lawrence with the necessary support to succeed in the NFL. They have failed to address the team’s offensive line and wide receiver needs. If Lawrence is granted another playmaker and a more stable offensive line, he will undoubtedly continue to progress. It is unfair to blame him for the team’s failure without taking a broader view. Despite the unfavorable circumstances, Lawrence deserves recognition for leading the Jaguars to even one playoff win.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
