Jaguars HC Doug Pederson can help Trevor Lawrence make a leap

If head coach Doug Pederson wants to help the Jacksonville Jaguars win more games in 2021, he will need to get the most out of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and help him make a significant leap in Year 2.

Pederson acknowledged during his introductory press conference that Lawrence was one factor he took into consideration when he took the Jaguars’ job. He says he’s done his research on the former Clemson Tiger and has heard nothing but good things about him. The Jaguars’ new head coach also says he’s ready to get to work and “create a system that can enhance his skillset“. Here’s Pederson talking about Lawrence’s presence as a reason for his interest in Jacksonville’s opening.

"That’s something that I obviously looked at, what the teams that were searching for head coaches, who is the quarterback? And is that person in place? and here it is. I truly believe that."

In spite of being one of the top quarterback prospects to come out of the collegiate ranks in recent years, Lawrence struggled in his rookie campaign. He threw a league-high 17 interceptions and made several questionable decisions that cost the Jaguars’ offense points. On the other hand, he showed flashes of the talent that made him the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and Pederson should be able to help him turn that potential into steady production on the football field.

Jaguars Trevor Lawrence should thrive under Pederson’s tutelage.

Lawrence is one of several Jaguars that will benefit from Pederson’s arrival in Jacksonville. A former NFL quarterback himself, he played a key role in Carson Wentz’s early development back when he was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Similarly, he kept the Eagles afloat once Wentz tore his ACL and helped veteran Nick Foles play at a high level during Philly’s Super Bowl run.

After Pederson’s introductory press conference, Lawrence told team reporter Ashlyn Sullivan that he’s excited to get to work with his new head coach and is looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table”. Urban Meyer didn’t seemingly have a plan to bring the young passer along and that surely affected his development. However, Pederson has a history of working with quarterbacks and should be able to help him make a significant leap in Year 2.

Of course, coaching alone won’t help Lawrence. The front office needs to make sure the sophomore quarterback has optimal protection up front and enough weapons to throw the ball to. Shad Khan told the media during the conference that he’s retained general manager Trent Baalke around because he “wants the best to help him”.

Baalke will soon have his chance to prove the organization’s decision to stick with him was the right one. The Jags are set to have around $60 million in cap space and 12 draft picks, including the top selection. If he can surround Lawrence with a good supporting cast (and coexist with Pederson), not many will second-guess the decision to keep him around. The Jaguars needed to hire a head coach that will develop Lawrence. It seems like they got it right with Pederson.