Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence keeps lagging behind in OROY race

The consensus agreed Trevor Lawrence was the most talented prospect in the 2021 draft and was probably going to be the only player the Jacksonville Jaguars were interested in taking as soon as they clinched the first overall pick. While the Clemson Tiger is poised to be the Jags’ quarterback of the future, he’s currently lagging behind in the race for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards, and it’s uncertain if he will be able to catch up.

Lawrence hasn’t been spectacular, but he’s shown growth in his rookie year, which is likely the Jaguars’ biggest priority. His decision-making has improved significantly throughout the season. He’s also displayed good pocket awareness and the ability to make all kinds of throws.

On the other hand, Mac Jones (New England Patriots), and Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) are helping their respective teams win. Jones is having a better year than Lawrence, statistically speaking. The Alabama product has completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,135 yards with ten touchdowns and seven interceptions. Moreover, he has a 5-4 record as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. You could argue that quarterback wins are not a good indicator of individual success and you would be right. However, they may carry some weight in the mind of the voters.

Chase is having an even better rookie campaign, hauling in 44 receptions for 835 yards and seven touchdowns. Although he’s caught just a combined nine passes for 81 yards in the last two weeks, he’s still on pace to break the NFL rookie receiving record of 1,400 yards, which Justin Jefferson set last season.

The Jaguars are satisfied with Trevor Lawrence’s growth on the field.

Lawrence has struggled a bit in the last two games, completing 58.7 percent of his passes with one touchdown and one interception. Drops by his surrounding cast haven’t helped him but he has made several off-target throws. On the other hand, he’s made strides and has gotten better since Week 1, when he threw three touchdowns but also three interceptions.

Lawrence has thrown just three touchdown passes in the last five games but he’s also cut down on the interceptions. After throwing seven in the first three weeks of the season, he’s had only two in the last five. Also, he’s faced a couple of good defenses in back-to-back games, so it’s not surprising to see him struggle a bit. Head coach Urban Meyer is certainly not worried.

Keep in mind that Jones landed in a better situation with the Pats while the Jaguars started a rebuild this year. While it would be great to see Lawrence earn a few accolades in 2021, he’s probably focused on getting better and helping the Jaguars win games.

At this point of the season, Lawrence looks like a distant third in the Offensive Rookie of the Year Race and it may be difficult to gain ground in the remainder of the year. Then again, that may be the least of his concerns right now. As long as he doesn’t regress and keeps improving, the Jags won’t mind if he doesn’t win early awards in his first year in the NFL.