The Jaguars are in free fall, and so is their starting quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.
Jacksonville’s lead signal-caller has had a rough start to the season, entering Monday’s game against the Bills completing just 51 percent of his passes this year.
His struggles continued against Buffalo’s potent defense. That could have led to his early dismissal. After a series of miscues on Jaguars drives, Lawrence was hung, replaced by fellow 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Lawrence’s withdrawal from Monday night’s game could be due to a number of factors. The former No. 1 overall pick toiled amid a steady stream of Bills defenders rushing at him, posting a final stat line of 21-of-38 passing for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
In other words, he wasn’t very good. He had a few moments of verve, including a tricky touchdown pass to Brenton Strange when the game was already out of control.
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Overall, though, Lawrence struggled. His worst moment came late in the first half when he threw an overhead pass to a wide-open Brian Thomas Jr. His pass found the hands of Damar Hamlin, who picked up his first career interception under the bright lights at Highmark Stadium.
Lawrence’s shortcomings could have easily been reason enough for Pederson to terminate his contract with his franchise quarterback. Lawrence hasn’t won a game in his last eight starts. With Jacksonville facing an 0-3 start to the season — a start that effectively eliminates it from playoff contention — such a move could be seen as symbolic.
There’s another reasoning, though. Lawrence was bad Monday night, but he wasn’t alone. Buffalo routinely drilled through the Jaguars’ offensive line, sending Lawrence to the turf behind the line of scrimmage four times.
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Lawrence isn’t just Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback. He’s also a significant investment for his employers, who invested $275 million in the slick-haired wideout. Given the punishment he’s already endured through the first three quarters, the Pederson trade was largely about protecting the Jaguars’ most valuable asset.
Lawrence will certainly be under center for Jacksonville in Week 4 — and well beyond — but his late game exit against Buffalo isn’t a good sign of the Jaguars’ current outlook.
