JACKSONVILLE (Fla.) -- Trevor Lawrence's initial NFL snap ended in a sack. But the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback didn’t let that stop him.
The 2021 No. The 2021 No. 1 draft pick rebounded from an inauspicious start to put in a solid, but not spectacular performance in Saturday's 23-13 defeat to the Cleveland Browns at TIAABank Field. Lawrence threw for 71 yard, including a Marvin Jones Jr. 35-yarder to convert a third down. However, he failed to lead the offense to any points on his two possessions. He also admitted that he held onto the ball too much at times.
He did make some good throws, and his coach was pleased with the ex-Clemson standout. However, there is still much to be done.
Urban Meyer stated, "I asked Brian Schottenheimer, the passing game coordinator," how he performed. "I thought the ball was to his left, it was on third down. Urban Meyer said that he anticipated a nice outcut, scrambled, and delivered a nice one for Marvin Jones.
"He wasn't amazed. We have to do better. He needs to be protected better. We have to make sure that all our wideouts are healthy so they can play better.
According to NFL NextGen Stats Lawrence was 6-for-9 and completed 3-of-4 passes into tight windows. This is the highest completion percentage for tight-window throws in 2020 by a Jaguars quarterback. Lawrence's offense was also more efficient (74 yards) that Gardner Minshew II (47 yards, interception, and 46 yards).
Lawrence stated, "I felt like I was the first time out there. I felt comfortable, and felt poised." Although the first play was not what you would want, it was a start. I felt that we did a great job. Communication was excellent. They did an excellent job protecting me. I think at least one of those sacks was there on me. It was just too long holding the ball. This is something I will work on. It's something I have always been able to do.
"Aside from that, I missed a quick one to Marvin, which I regret not having hit. Other than that, it was a great day. It was clear that we all saw it. Although there are still some things to do, I think it was a good day.
Lawrence must get rid of the ball faster. This is what he did at times with quick throws to LaViska. Meyer stated that he would have to examine the film to determine why Lawrence was so reluctant to let go of the ball. However, Meyer noted that there were many instances when signal-callers had to wait for receivers.
This was true for Jones' long throw. Lawrence was not able to toss the ball because Jones broke through deep. Lawrence was protected on that play, which was a good thing. However, this wasn't always true. Jawaan Taylor and Cam Robinson, offensive tackles, struggled against Cleveland’s second and third-team pass rushers. Lawrence was dismissed twice during the game.
"I was in the pocket for a long time." Lawrence spoke of Jones' deep pass to him and said that eventually it turned into a scramble. He did a great job of reacting and getting open. The scramble drill is something we have been practicing in camp. Although I didn't actually do the scramble, everyone knows that the time clock is ticking and says, "All right, the play'sn't working as it was intended." We have to make it happen at this point.
He was quick to react and went further. He could have been a bit more led by me. He made a great catch, but I didn't want him to win.
Lawrence acknowledged that he had nerves but said they went away quickly. He felt more at ease on his second drive than he did on his first.
Lawrence stated that the first play is a bit nerve-wracking, especially in the NFL. But after that, it's all about playing ball. "Definitely felt that [comfort] setting.
"I get anxious before the first game of any season, so that's quite normal. I was happy. I was eager to go. It has been a long process. It has been my dream."
