Trevor Lawrence earns harsh comparison amid Jaguars' rough start to 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't off to a great start to the 2024 season. One of the many reasons (but far from the only one) is that Trevor Lawrence hasn't been great. This has led to questions about the franchise's decision to give the quarterback a massive contract extension in the offseason. Count Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report among those who are unimpressed.

Gagnon says that Lawrence has left much to be desired, pointing out that only sophomore Bryce Young and rookie Caleb Williams have a higher bad-throw rate two weeks into the NFL season.

"I raised an eyebrow when they prematurely threw a bunch of money at a consistently underachieving Trevor Lawrence this offseason, and right now, the only quarterbacks with higher bad-throw rates are Bryce Young and Caleb Williams (yes, that's the last three No. 1 overall picks at the position)."

Lior Lampert of Fansided goes a step further, noting that Lawrence is "giving Deshaun Watson a run for his money" for the worst contract in the NFL.

Lampert points out that Jacksonville is averaging 15 points per game and ranks 22nd in total yards. Moreover, he argues that the offense looks out of sync.

"Lawrence has been inaccurate and lacked pocket awareness, dragging his supporting cast down with him and playing a massive role in Jacksonville's 0-2 start. He's completed merely 51 percent of his passes, yielding 382 yards and one touchdown. After securing a momentarily market-setting extension, pedestrian numbers like this won't get it done."

In Lawrence's defense, Lampert mentions that the offensive line is among the worst in the league. Nevertheless, he believes that the Jaguars quarterback "may invite some uncomfortable discussions" if he doesn't turn things around soon.

The Jaguars need Trevor Lawrence to evelate his game in 2024

Despite a somewhat underwhelming 2023 campaign, the Jags gave Lawrence a five-year contract worth $275 million because they believe he's the franchise quarterback they had sorely been lacking for years. The Knoxville, Tennessee native certainly flashed enough over his first three seasons to make the team and observers think he is the long-term answer behind center. However, his play this season has most definitely been uninspiring.

In two games, Lawrence has completed 51 percent of his passes for 382 yards with one touchdown. That's not the kind of production you expect from a franchise quarterback. As noted before, the offensive line has failed to do its job, having already given up seven sacks and 10 quarterback hits.

Then again, Lawrence has also made a series of questionable decisions the past two games. This is to say that he isn't free of blame.

Head coach Doug Pederson, for his part, believes Lawrence has played well enough, citing communication and execution as the reasons for the offense's struggles. If that's the case (it is), the coaching staff must work with the quarterback and his teammates to fix those issues.

It's too early to compare Trevor Lawrence to Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans selected Deshaun Watson in the first round of the 2017 draft. Early in his career, the former Clemson Tiger was a top 10 (maybe even 5) quarterback in the NFL. However, he decided he no longer wanted to play for the Texans and sat out the 2021 season.

Watson ultimately forced a trade to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. Unfortunately, he hasn't been the same quarterback he was with Houston. Compounding the issue is that he's been embroiled in several legal situations.

This has made the Watson trade and his contract look dreadful. Meanwhile, the Texans have turned into a contender, in part because of the haul they got in exchange for the embattled quarterback.

Based on how things have played out, it's fair to assume that Cleveland has buyer's remorse but the same cannot be said about the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence, at least not two games into the 2024 season.

Of course, Jacksonville would surely like to see a return on its investment. However, it's too early to say it was a mistake to give Lawrence a top-market extension. Maybe if things continue the way they are for the rest of the year, this should become a legitimate topic for discussion.

For the time being, Lawrence must take his game to the next level and help the Jags right the ship.

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