When the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted quarterback Trevor Lawrence No. 1 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was dubbed a generational talent. As a longtime Jags fan, I know I was stoked. Despite Blake Bortles remaining the irreplaceable BOAT—and a brief stint where we actually thought Gardner Minshew or Nick Foles was the future—Lawrence seemed like the final missing piece that would elevate the team.
Alas, despite a magical 2022 season, it hasn't proved to be the case. He continues to battle consistency issues, injuries, and a mind-boggling amount of head-scratching decisions just about every game. While some place him in the hot seat, he realistically still has two more years to prove whether or not he's the man for the job.
I'm not here to argue whether or not Lawrence has been a bust (he hasn't) or whether or not he's elite (he's not), but being the No. 1 draft pick has led to more than his share of unwarranted criticism.
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Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence dubbed "Sit 'em" by NFL's Michael Florio
No, I don't play fantasy football (gasp!). I've tried it a few times and consistently get my rear handed back to me by people who autodraft and ignore their rosters. I'm not a great 'coach.' Sorry. I think the main issue is I simply draft all the Jags I can.
Probably not a winning strategy.
I say that to say this: Michael Florio's "Sit 'em" label for Lawrence heading into Week 3 is based more on history than the current season. He correctly points out that No. 16 has more interceptions than touchdowns against the Houston Texans (nine INTs vs. seven TDs). However, that includes his disastrous Urban Meyer season and a game where he was playing through an injured shoulder and eventually left with a concussion.
Let's look at more relevant numbers: his last three full games against Houston. With these, his stat line looks far better, averaging 270+ yards and an 85+ QBR. Not explosive numbers, but nowhere near as bad as Florio paints. Maybe you still sit him, I'm not the fantasy guru, but it's not like Houston is Lawrence's kryptonite like Florio suggests.
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Okay, go ahead—get it out. Yell at the screen, tell me I'm wrong. I don't mind. I can take it (plus, I can't hear you).
Better? Good, because I stand by that. Yes, Lawrence has thrown three picks in two games, but I'm not blaming him for the third one. Receiver Brian Thomas Jr. should have gone for it. With even minimal effort, that's an incompletion. With BTJ's skill? It was definitely a catchable ball. ESPN's Mike DiRocco is fair in his assessment of Lawrence's play.
"Lawrence has been far from perfect," he writes. "He's completing only 58.9% of his passes and has thrown three interceptions this season. But Coen has said after each game that Lawrence has run the offense efficiently, changed plays correctly when needed and made throws into tight windows. He has also been hurt by a league-high five drops from his receiving corps."
According to Fantasy Football Data, Lawrence has a drop rate of 15.1 percent—meaning his completion rate should be 70+. That's not an insignificant data point. He threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns last week, and if his receivers pull in a few catchable balls, the Jaguars are 2-0, Lawrence has one fewer INT and one more TD, and we're having a different conversation.
With the way the O-line is protecting the pocket like it's Area 51, I expect Lawrence to have himself a day against Houston. I'll say it here (with my fingers crossed, of course): 250+ yards and two TDs...maybe a pick.
▶️ Jacksonville Jaguars
— Fantasy Football Data (@FantasyFFData) September 18, 2025
- Trevor Lawrence has the Highest Drop % (15.1%)
▶️Kansas City Chiefs
- Tyquan Thornton has 52.1% Team Air Yards (3rd most min 25 routes)
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Final thoughts
As I said, I'm not here to say whether or not Lawrence is "the guy." However, I am here to say that talking heads should probably focus on the real problem in Jacksonville—dropped balls (and penalties, but that's a different conversation).