Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence: Criticism is 'a chip on our shoulder, we use it as fuel'

Although some analysts have changed their tune in recent weeks and given them credit, some still remain unimpressed with everything the Jacksonville Jaguars have accomplished this season. This recently led Trevor Lawrence to tell critics to keep their opinions to themselves while the Jags kept finding ways to win. The third-year quarterback met with the local media Wednesday and explained why he posted the message on social media.

"It's one of those things, you find ways to win, you get criticism. You don't win games, you get criticism," Lawrence said. "It's the nature of the business. We're used to that here, so it doesn't bug us. It's a good reminder to everyone. It's a chip on our shoulder, we use it as fuel."

"That's really all, it was nothing more to it. Those people are doing their jobs too at the same time, so you understand it but it's good to have little motion and remember the things people say and we don't forget it when people are backtracking in a few weeks or within a season, whatever it is. So that's all it was," Lawrence said.

Later in the exchange, Lawrence said that there must be a balance between having realistic expectations and addressing mistakes.

"We could do more with our possessions than we have. The whole season, we've had some wasted possessions. That's the mindset and that's the expectation. But you have to understand that there are good defenses and good teams in the league. There's a little bit of that where you're happy to find a way to win but there's a sense of urgency to fix some of the mistakes that keep showing up whether that's short yardage, not getting points off the turnovers or three-and-outs to start the second half.

After losing back-to-back games in Weeks 2 and 3, the Jaguars have won four in a row, having played on the road the last three weeks. Not surprisingly, they've cracked the top 5 in a handful of NFL Power Rankings. Then again, you won't hear talking heads consistently bring up Jacksonville as a legitimate contender. This is why Trevor Lawrence might felt the need to share the message on Twitter. Here's his full exchange with the media.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been good enough to be 5-2 heading into Week 8

All things considered. Lawrence critics will always find something to nitpick but he's also aware that the Jaguars can still get better. While there's most definitely room for improvement, the Jaguars have made progress in recent weeks. After struggling with drops and pass protection early in the season, the offense has hit its stride in recent weeks, averaging 29 points per game the last four weeks.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins are proving that even the best teams in the league aren't flawless. The 49ers have lost back-to-back games while the Phins, who have the top-ranked offense in the league, were outscored 48-20 by the Buffalo Bills in Week 7.

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't getting nearly as much recognition as the San Francisco and the Dolphins are getting. However, a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 will most likely guarantee they're included in the conversation regarding the top teams in the league.

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