Jacksonville Jaguars working out kinks, Day 4 of training camp takeaways

It feels like yesterday when the Jacksonville Jaguars made Trevor Lawrence the first overall pick in 2021’s draft. At the time, it felt like a dream, almost surreal. The Jags, at last, landed a true franchise quarterback after years of futility at the position.

Time will tell if the Clemson product is the answer to the Jaguars’ quarterback woes, but they should definitely be pleased with his progress on the football field and his approach to the game of football. Lawrence had a sitdown with the local media after Day 4 of training camp and discussed several things. Among them, his progress since spring, and practicing in front of Jaguars fans.

The former Tiger says he thinks he’s made individual strides. He’s also aware it’s a process.

"I feel like I definitely made a lot of strides individually but as an offense and a team since the spring. Can’t see everyone getting comfortable learning the system. It’s a really good week. I didn’t have the best day today but that’s what training camp’s about. Working out the kinks and really just owning our offense and the situations that we’re going against demands in practice this week."

Regarding fans’ participation and engagement, Lawrence sounded ecstatic. He said he’s never experienced fans at practice, “it’s really cool to see everyone come out and see how excited everybody is”.

"We’re all just ready to win. These fans deserve it. They’ve been waiting."

Indeed. Fans have to endure nine losing seasons over the last ten years, so it’s great to see how much this Jaguars team has improved over the last few months. While there’s still a long way to go, Lawrence is giving the Jags a reason to be optimistic in 2021.

Here are other takeaways from Day 4 of Jaguars training camp.

This is a different Jacksonville Jaguars team.

Pretty much, every Jaguars player has been asked about Lawrence, and linebacker Joe Schobert was the latest. The 2017 Pro Bowl nod said that “he’s very accurate and puts the right amount of touch in every single pass he attempts. When the rookie passer throws the ball, ‘the ball gets to where it’s supposed to go quick”.

Later, Schobert praised Lawrence for his poise and command in the huddle and “how he carries himself coming in as a rookie”. Nevertheless, the first-year quarterback wasn’t the only topic he touched on. He also talked about the organization’s approach to physical therapy.

Schobert says that in the past, he would need to pay for recovery therapy out of his own pocket but he now has access to everything he needs at the team facilities. The linebacker also acknowledged the overall energy in the building. He says that coaches basically ” live what they preach”.

"Coach Urban Meyer gives them a message at a team meeting and we go through our individual meetings. All the coaches are locked in on that message, they reiterated to us and you see that out here. Whatever he says, how he wants practice to be run, it’s run that way. So I think from the top down everybody’s on the same page."

While games still need to be played, it’s clear the Jaguars have a plan in place. They are making sure players buy in what they’re trying to sell. Based on Schobert’s comments, players and the coaching staff are on the same wavelength.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a keeper in WR Marvin Jones.

Instead of going for a big-name wide receiver in free agency such as Kenny Golladay or Cory Davis, the Jaguars pursued Marvin Jones. Jr. Looking back, it might arguably have been the team’s most underrated move this offseason. Keep in mind that the Cal product has scored 32 touchdowns over the last four years and his presence will draw coverages away from DJ Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr.

The Jaguars should be pleased with their investment in Jones, as he has had a productive training camp. He’s caught several touchdown passes and has been at the center stage of a few highlight reels in training camp. On Day 4, he hauled in a jaw-dropping 25-yard touchdown. Here’s the clip if you haven’t watched it.

It’s not the first day Jones pulls one of those catches. Back on Day 2, he had another outstanding grab, a 40-yard completion down the right sideline. Don’t be surprised if the 2012 fifth-round pick becomes Lawrence’s go-to target in 2021, as the two have developed a nice rapport this offseason. This shouldn’t come as a surprise though, as they have been working together to ensure they get their timing right. Do you remember the quarterback invited his wide receivers to work out in Clemson not long ago? Jones was part of that contingent.

Lawrence talked about that when he met with the local media. He said he and his teammates had a few weeks off after the Jaguars’ organized activities and wanted to take advantage of the extra time.

"We’re not getting all the reps together with some of the guys so I wanted to take just a handful of guys over to Clemson in for two days just be able to throw hang out, get to know, and just have a little bit of fun but also get some work in."

It looks that the trip paid off, as Lawrence has been connecting with Jones. Expect more of the same in the following practices and the 2021 season.