Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 studs and 5 duds from disappointing Week 1 loss

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a few studs on both offense and defense.

1. Trevor Lawrence, quarterback

The Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft because they believe he can be the franchise quarterback they have sorely need. The Clemson product showed flashes throughout the offseason and had an adequate debut in Week 1. He wasn’t great but he wasn’t dreadful either, going 28-of-51 for 332 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. The interceptions were on him. As he told the local media, he tried to do too much, but this will be a learning experience for him.

Speaking of experience, Lawrence should be able to process his reads faster and cut down on the interceptions the more he plays. His first start was a step in the right direction and should improve as the season goes on.

2. DJ Chark, wide receiver

Sure, wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. was targeted 12 times and just caught three passes but those went for 86 yards and one touchdown. He also posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 66.5. On the other hand, he was credited with two drops and he will need to fix that. Also, the former LSU Tiger and Trevor Lawrence need to keep working on their timing but it’s good to see what he can do with a talented quarterback throwing him the ball.

3. Josh Allen, outside linebacker

Why did the Jaguars’ coaching staff ask Josh Allen to drop in coverage? It’s hard to tell. On the bright side, he looked like the dominant player he was before he suffered a knee injury last season. In Week 1, the 2019 first-round pick logged five solo tackles, one sack, and two quarterback hits. He also earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 72.7, the third-highest among Jaguars’ defensive players. Allen and linebacker Myles Jack give Jacksonville a core of playmakers on defense but they can’t do it all alone.