Broncos game turning point for Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Beating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12 was no easy task but the Jacksonville Jaguars managed to do it. Following the game, head coach Doug Pederson told the media that the feeling in the locker room was electric and why wouldn’t it be?

The Jags were an underdog ahead of the game and not many talking heads thought they had a shot at upsetting the Ravens. But as sweet as the victory over Baltimore is, the organization might be even more ecstatic about Trevor Lawrence’s bright future.

Before Week 12, Lawrence had shown improvement but also made several mistakes that ended up costing the Jaguars a few games. But over the last month, he’s made important strides in his development and has put together a string of efficient performances dating back to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.

Against the Ravens, Lawrence went 29-of-37 for 321 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. But as good as his numbers were, what really stood out was the comeback drive he led in the Jaguars’ last offensive possession of the game. Even though he got off to a rough start thanks to a sack by defensive end Calais Campbell, the former Clemson Tiger drove the Jags 75 yards down the field and found wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. on a 10-yard touchdown pass to cap the drive.

Head coach Doug Pederson then decided to go for two points and Trevor Lawrence connected with Zay Jones on a short pass for the conversion and just like that. the Ravens tried to answer back with a field goal but Justin Tucker missed the kick and just like that, the Jaguars upset Baltimore.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was clutch vs. the Ravens

This isn’t the first productive game Lawrence has had in 2022 but it’s arguably the biggest one. He previously proved he could move the ball and make jaw-dropping plays but he hadn’t been able to lead the Jaguars to a win. He had the chance against the Washinton  Commanders in the season opener and against the Philadelphia Eagles but he came up short.

Against both the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos, Lawrence threw head-scratching interceptions that played a big role in the outcome of both contests. But in Week 12, he proved he can come back from behind and engineer a game-winning drive. So what has changed? What’s pushed the sophomore quarterback to be better?

Head coach Doug Pederson met with Bucky Brooks following the game and said that he sees the loss to the Broncos in Week 8 as a turning point for Lawrence.

“You go back to that Denver game in London”, Pederson said. “I think that interception on the goal line, that one bothered him and I really think he’s matured since then, really understanding what we’re asking of him, we trust him as a staff, I trust him to put him in those situations all the time”.

“We work on those things and a day like today he’s had and really a day like he’s had these last couple of games is really a step in the right direction for Trevor, for our football team, gives him a lot of confidence, he’s thanking us for believing in him. Then, we continue to trust him, we continue to put him in situations to be successful and he does a great job of handling that, and protecting the football and just a step in the right direction for him and his development”, Pederson said.

Since the Jaguars fell to the Broncos, Trevor Lawrence has completed 76.85 percent of his passes for 815 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Not surprisingly, Jacksonville is 2-1 in the last three games.

Lawrence lacked consistency early in the season but has made taken huge steps in his development in recent weeks. Even if the Jags end up not making the playoffs in 2022, the team’s brass should be thrilled about how much the young passer has grown this season.