3 concerning trends from the Jaguars win vs. the Falcons in Week 4
• However, there are a few areas they must work on
2. Trevor Lawrence has been efficient despite Jaguars O-Line woes
One of the Jaguars' biggest question marks this season has been their offensive line. Left tackle Walker Little notwithstanding, the unit hasn't been able to give Trevor Lawrence optimal protection. This has severely affected his ability to take deep shots. Simply, he doesn't have enough time to throw the ball.
At 2.47 seconds, Lawrence had the second-fastest throwing time in the league. While it's good news that he isn't holding onto the ball, the protection he's getting doesn't allow him to go through his full progression.
Against the Falcons in the fourth quarter, Lawrence wasn't able to see a wide-open Christian Kirk in the end zone because he was flushed out of the pocket. He ultimately targeted running back JaMycal Hasty but you can't blame him for missing Kirk. He simply had to make a throw in the run once the protection threw.
Following the game, Michael DiRocco of ESPN pointed out that Lawrence averaged just a measly 5.3 yards per attempt but believes that's the result of not getting good protection from the offensive line.
The Jaguars are aware that pass blocking up front has been an issue this season. Ben Bartch had struggled the past three games, so he was benched in favor of veteran Tyler Shatley in Week 4. After the game, head coach Doug Pederson said Shatley was better equipped to handle the Falcons' defensive front.
"We felt like this defensive front was a little bigger, heavier, stronger front. Felt like Shatley gave us the best opportunity. There was nothing really against Ben. And we as a staff just felt like it was Shatley's time to get in," Pederson said.
It will be interesting to see what other tweaks the team makes in the upcoming weeks. Cam Robinson is back from the four-game suspension he served to start the season. The Jags could plug him back at left tackle and move Walker Little inside.