Although the Jacksonville Jaguars started off the 2022 NFL season poorly, they became one of the league’s hottest teams down the stretch.
They rebounded from a 2-6 start to win seven of their last nine regular season contests, which included a five-game winning streak to end their schedule.
One of the keys to that turnaround was the play of second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who played very well in November, December, and January.
Head coach Doug Pederson feels Lawrence can build on that success when next season commences in just three months.
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson has full confidence in Trevor Lawrence after strong end to 2022 season: "He can put the team on his back"https://t.co/XsWmMVBWrp pic.twitter.com/FHaya0tOWN
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 5, 2023
The former Clemson University standout finished 2022 with 4,113 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, as well as five additional touchdowns on the ground.
The Jaguars made the playoffs as a result of their late-season sprint, earning them a wild-card playoff date with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Lawrence looked shaky in the first half against L.A., throwing four interceptions as they fell behind 27-0, but he threw four touchdown passes afterward and set up Riley Patterson for the game-winning field goal as time expired for a 31-30 win.
During the regular season, Lawrence threw just eight interceptions after leading the league with 17 in 2021 as a rookie.
He will have a new weapon this fall in the form of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who is back after he was suspended for all of 2022 due to a violation of the league’s policy regarding gambling.
In 2020, his last full season, he put up 1,374 yards while scoring nine touchdowns.
Ridley will join an offense that already features studs in wideout Christian Kirk and running back Travis Etienne.
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