ClutchPoints
With training camp underway, energy and anticipation are rising in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are not just seeking a rebound from a disastrous 4-13 campaign in 2024—they are demanding it. The franchise pushed the reset button: a new head coach, a dramatically refreshed roster, and the hope that this is finally the year the vision crystallizes. All those aspirations find a singular focal point: Trevor Lawrence. Entering his fifth season as the Jaguars’ signal-caller, Lawrence is under more pressure than any other player on the roster and, arguably, more than any quarterback in the NFL this year.
When Jacksonville selected Lawrence as the first overall pick in 2021, he was touted as a generational talent, a player ready to be the face of the franchise and transform its fortunes overnight. Instead, the first four seasons have brought turbulence: multiple head coaches, ever-changing coordinators, and little in the way of continuity. Flashes of brilliance have not been enough to overshadow inconsistency and turnovers. The optimism that initially surrounded Lawrence has gradually eroded, with both national pundits and local fans growing impatient.
Yet, despite the setbacks, the team remains invested in his potential. The front office handed Lawrence a massive contract extension last offseason, demonstrating continued faith in his ability to fulfill his promise. However, as ESPN’s Damien Woody bluntly put it: “You’re getting paid too much to produce average results.” With patience in short supply and the clock ticking on his rookie window, Lawrence is staring down the highest-stakes campaign of his young career.
The Jaguars’ dramatic changes haven’t just been at quarterback. After last year’s collapse, both head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke were ousted, replaced by Liam Coen and James Gladstone. Coen, acclaimed for his modern, creative offenses in Tampa Bay and Kentucky, brings a fresh playbook aimed at maximizing Lawrence’s strengths: quick reads, play-action throws, and a more balanced attack.
After stabbing Tampa Bay in the back, the cringe is palpable in Jaguars HC Liam Cohen’s first #DUUUVAL
Yikes. pic.twitter.com/2G9HbbwByr
— Tired Takes (@TiredSports) January 27, 2025
Few quarterbacks enter a season with a more dramatically upgraded arsenal than Lawrence in 2025. The Jaguars spent aggressively, leveraging draft assets and free agency to flood the roster with talent. Travis Hunter, the sensational Heisman winner and No. 2 overall draft pick, will play both receiver and cornerback, giving Lawrence a legitimate superstar to target on offense. Paired with breakout receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and veteran Dyami Brown, the Jaguars’ pass-catching group is faster, more athletic, and deeper than in years past.
Equally crucial is the rebuilt offensive line. General manager Gladstone fortified the trenches, signing proven veterans at center and guard while selecting high-upside rookies. The unit should provide better protection, something Lawrence has rarely enjoyed during his time in Jacksonville. With more time and cleaner pockets, the excuses for erratic decision-making and high turnover rates diminish.
Why Lawrence Faces the...
