Trevor Lawrence was considered a generational prospect heading into the NFL.
In addition to his natural skills, he also proved he was a great leader while at Clemson.
That leadership has clearly carried over to the NFL based on recent comments about Jacksonville Jaguars teammate James Robinson.
Robinson is the team’s top running back, but was mysteriously absent for long stretches in recent weeks.
Lawrence made it clear that this has to change.
"Bottom line is: James is one of our best players, and he has to be on the field."
ICYMI, I asked Trevor Lawrence about James Robinson potentially having been benched the past two weeks: pic.twitter.com/dxwUF0Eqs2
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) December 8, 2021
Lawrence defending his teammate in the spotlight proves he is the right leader for this football team.
The Young QB Defends His Top Teammate
Robinson has 678 yards this season, but only had eight carries for 24 yards last week in a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
An ESPN article on the matter featured an interesting quote by head coach Urban Meyer.
“You bench yourself,” Meyer said. “If you lay the ball on the ground and you come out for a few plays, and then it’s up to the position coach and whatever to put you back in whenever that’s time. And that’s not [just] James. That’s whomever. When the ball goes on the ground, you come [out].”
Meyer seems to cast any blame about Robinson not playing toward his position coach.
But he also says Robinson, and anyone on the team, could be benched after fumbling.
That is a bit harsh when the number one running back, who only has four fumbles all year, is the one being benched.
Meyer and his staff are trying to prove a point by actively hurting the team’s chances of winning.
Trevor Lawrence was really good today on multiple topics. On James Robinson, he said say how much he wants him out there and that he feels the team is on the same page about it — notes he even voiced it. pic.twitter.com/O2yFaTKtFv
— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) December 8, 2021
That may fly in college where there is a deep talent pool, but it cannot happen in the NFL.
That leaves Lawrence and the entire offense at a disadvantage and is unfair to the fans as well.
It is refreshing to see a player stick up for his teammate and not just brush off the question.
Jaguars fans are hoping Meyer actually listens and tries to win games instead of seeking to prove unnecessary points.
NEXT: Trevor Lawrence Is Not Showing The Proper Progression