The NFL Duel: A Comparative Analysis of Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields
By Beau Adams
Analyzing 2022 Performances Winner: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence
In only his second year, Lawrence showed significant growth. His command over the offense, under the guidance of head coach Doug Pederson, led him to finish seventh in NFL MVP voting. The Clemson graduate, who was initially deemed a "can't miss" prospect, delivered on the promise in 2022, playing in all 34 games since the start of the 2021 season.
Record 9-8, AFC South Champion
Playoff record 1-1
Statistical performance: 4,113 yards, 25 TDs, 66.3 completion rate, 95.2 QBR.
- rushing stats 291 yards, 5 TDs, 4.7 YAC
- playoff stats 505 yards, 5 TDs, 60.8 completion rate, 72.1 QBR
Trevor Lawrence took 6 carries inside the 5-yard line and ran for 5 touchdowns in 2022, tied for 6th and 5th most among quarterbackspic.twitter.com/kjFJM3DCIl
— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) August 23, 2023
Evaluating Justin Fields' Journey
Fields' trajectory in the NFL was slightly different. Unlike Lawrence, Fields wasn't the starting quarterback immediately on his arrival. The Bears chose to have Fields learn behind Andy Dalton in his rookie season.
However, Fields was soon promoted to the starting position, making ten starts in 2021. He maintained this position in 2022 despite missing two games due to injuries. His style of play, although prone to hits, also resulted in long touchdowns, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Justin Fields' 3-12 starting record was the worst in the NFL
Playoff record 0-0
Statistical performance: 4,112 yards, 24 TDs, 59.7 completion rate, 98.2 QBR.
- rushing stats: 1143, 8 TD's 7.1
The results, however, sparked controversy. While Lawrence had a challenging playoff run, Fields emerged as a consistent threat to rush for 100 yards every week down the stretch.
Fields' strength lies in his exceptional ability to run with the ball, which gives him a statistical edge. In the 2022 season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards, a feat achieved by only two NFL quarterbacks in the past.
Justin Fields is playing Madden IRL 🎮pic.twitter.com/BnGuv7pkn2
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 11, 2022
Lawrence displayed impressive growth in his second season, with his completion rate increasing by 6.7 percent, and the addition of new players like Calvin Ridley and Evan Engram to the team promising a further boost to his performance.
The 2022 performance winner is Trevor Lawrence. The additional rushing yards and three touchdowns for Fields are negated by Lawrence's winning record and playoff performance.