Tony Romo affirmed what Jaguars fans thought about Trevor Lawrence after playoff loss

The Jacksonville Jaguars exceeded expectations in 2025, but it all came to a screeching halt when they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. Although the Jags fought hard, Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense proved to be too much to overcome. Having said that, not everything was doom and gloom.

Jacksonville had the Bills against the ropes several times throughout the game. Moreover, Lawrence certainly played well enough to make everyone think — even if it was just briefly — that he could propel his team to the divisional round of the playoffs. Announcer Tony Romo, for one, was certainly impressed.

Tony Romo had high praise for Trevor Lawrence even though the Jaguars lost

Late in the fourth quarter, Trevor Lawrence connected with Parker Washington for a 31-yard gain. Tony Romo was impressed with the throw, noting that it was one of the best the Jags quarterback has made in his NFL career. Here's the skinny.

"This is a great route. Watch this. He's going to go deep on the post, but Trevor Lawrence throws the ball short. Go ahead and watch this route," Romo said during the broadcast. "He is not supposed to break in. Trevor Lawrence could throw the post, but he sees all the opening in the field, and he throws the ball short. That's one of the best throws of Trevor Lawrence's career. And Parker Washington is right there. He's been
playing outstanding.

Later, Tony Romo heaped praise on Washington, noting that he had a breakout season in 2025.

"You see his coming-out party, I think if you've been in Jackson, watched all year, you would know how good he is, but he is showing you today. He is a difference maker. Get the ball in his hands. This was going to be a one-yard play, maybe, and he just uses leverage against Bosa," Romo said.

For context, Washington had a career best 58 receptions for 847 yards with five touchdowns in the regular season. And here's another throw he reeled in just before halftime to put Cam Little within field goal distance.

Four plays later, running back Travis Etienne capped off a 77-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to put Jacksonville ahead 24-20.

Washington finished the game with seven catches for 107 yards with one touchdowns, while Lawrence went 18-of-30 for 207 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, including the one that sealed the loss.

Related: 3 biggest moves the Jags made in Year 1 of the James Gladstone era

The Jaguars should be thrilled with Trevor Lawrence despite how things ended

What was an amazing turnaround ended on a sour note. Trevor Lawrence would surely want to take a few passes back, but there's nothing he can do besides brush it off as a learning experience. Moreover, the loss to the Bills won't undo all the progress the former Clemson made under Liam Coen.

With Coen at the helm, Lawrence once again played at a top-10 level to finish the regular season. Imagine just how good he could be if his strong end to the year carries over into 2026.

The bottom line is that the Jaguars should be pleased with how things ended, as they now have several reasons for optimism ahead of the offseason, including Trevor Lawrence's improved play.