Trevor Lawrence: How his Week 18 performance could be a prelude to 2022

After a disappointing rookie season, Trevor Lawrence flashed his potential in the final week of the regular season.

Going into Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season, rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence had not delivered the consistency that a No. 1 overall pick should deliver. Fans saw regression instead, causing worry and concern. Some fans waivered the No. 1 pick may not fulfill the expectations of being one of college football’s most noted quarterbacks. 

In Week 18 of his rookie season, Lawrence finally showed what made him one of the most-heralded generational talents in years. Against the Indianapolis Colts – who fighting for their playoff lives – Lawrence turned in the best game of his short career. He completed 23 of 32 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-11 shock win over the Colts.

Bigger than the numbers, Trevor Lawrence showed the maturity and leadership all franchises need from their leader.

Coming into that week, it was less than pretty. Trevor Lawrence had only thrown one touchdown, while being intercepted seven times over his past five games. Lawrence’s only multi-touchdown effort was in his debut against the Houston Texans. 

While the Colts played with more at stake, Jacksonville had more energy and controlled most of this game. If not for repeated red-zone stops, the game would have ended in a more lopesided victory for the Jaguars.

With Jacksonville leading 16-3, Trevor Lawrence delivered his best pass – a critical three-yard touchdown strike to Marvin Jones. That gave the Jags a 20-point lead the Colts could not overcome. 

Most games are determined by how the quarterback plays. In this game, Colts quarterback Carson Wentz only completed 17 passes. He also threw an interception and fumbled. Unlike most of his season, Lawrence played clean football and help the Jags continue their seven-game home winning streak over the Colts.

With Trevor Lawrence coming off his best game against a well-coached Colts team fighting for a playoff spot, it bodes well for the confidence in Lawrence by Jacksonville going forward. With Urban Meyer getting fired in the middle of the season, the Jaguars will be looking for a new head coach. Hopefully one capable of getting the most out of the former Clemson star.

Byron Leftwich, Brian Daboll, Doug Pederson and Kellen Moore are some of the top offensive-minded candidates available.

Todd Bowles, Leslie Frazier, Matt Eberflus, and Brian Flores are some of the top defensive coaches who could take the next step forward as head coaches.

While the NFL is leaning more offensive-minded, Jacksonville’s coaching search will surely garner attention; especially with Trevor Lawrence and the No. 1 pick as prized commodities. 

With the Detroit Lions beating the Packers  in Week 18, Jacksonville retained the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft. The Jaguars go into the off-season with plenty of holes and roster flexibility. Thankfully, with that pick and plenty of cap space will go a long way toward their future.

Unlike the 2021 draft where Trevor Lawrence was the clear choice, the 2022 NFL draft allows Jacksonville to bolster other key needs. The offensive line, receiver, and secondary are key areas to address. Building the team around Trevor Lawrence will determine the direction of this team going forward.

For the Jaguars, Lawrence’s last act of his rookie season could be a prelude to a successful 2022 season.