Jacksonville Jaguars HC Urban Meyer is ready for the NFL

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had just one winning season in the last ten years and they hit rock bottom in 2020 when they lost 15 consecutive games. For that reason, it wasn’t shocking to see them clean house and hire head coach Urban Meyer to oversee the rebuild. Although they had their fair share of solid picks, they zeroed in on the Ohio native, who is known for his ability to build successful programs at the college level. Heading into the 2021 season, it’s fair to wonder if he will be able to work his magic at the NFL level.

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently discussed the biggest questions every NFL team must answer ahead of the regular season and wonders if Meyer and Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence are ready for the pros. Gagnon asks if the former Florida head coach is ready to make the leap to the NFL after working at the college level for three-plus decades. He also ponders whether he will be able to live up to expectations in Jacksonville.

Gagnon later points out that Lawrence underwent surgery on his non-throwing should and brings up the fact that he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury.

"Is Lawrence’s body ready? The No. 1 overall pick spent much of this offseason recovering from surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, and now he’s limited by a balky hamstring. Meyer has said they’ve been cautious with him. That continues to be the case, and the Clemson product admits to being a little frustrated."

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Urban Meyer have a plan in place.

Meyer was the favorite to land the Jaguars’ head-coaching vacancy from the outset. Although the former Ohio State head coach has encountered a few bumps on the read, his impact has been noticeable in Jacksonville. Coaches and players like his style and the energy he brings to the team and one of the biggest changes he’s made is his emphasis on giving players everything they need to succeed. Furthermore, he’s surrounded himself with coaches that have NFL experience and has given them a voice and the opportunity to share their input.

Moreover, Meyer showed he can amend his approach instead of doubling down on his mistakes when the Jaguars part ways with Chris Doyle. That’ shows a willingness to listen to others and adapt. Sure, it would have great if he hadn’t hired Doyle to begin with, but he’s still adjusting to the pros and he will have his fair share of slipups, just like any other head coach.

Regarding Lawrence, he should be ready to go but if he can’t go, the Jags have a solid backup in Gardner Minshew, so they don’t need to rush their rookie quarterback. There would be a drop in talent but the Washington State product has starting experience and can hold the fort in case Lawrence missed time with injuries. It wouldn’t be optional, but the Jacksonville Jaguars must protect their quarterback of the future.

Are Meyer and Lawrence ready for the NFL?  It certainly looks that way but even if they weren’t, nobody is going to wait for them. That’s why they’re preparing as much as they can ahead of the regular season.