Trevor Lawrence makes bold claim on Doug Pederson hire, Jaguars future
A 3-14 record not being the worst of the problems for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season says a lot about the disaster that was Urban Meyer’s tenure as head coach. After 13 games, the franchise fired Meyer after a combination of multiple controversies. Jacksonville had to look at themselves in the mirror after that situation to decide who would lead their next team. They decided on former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson in February. For franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, it’s been so far, so good with the new voice at the helm.
Lawrence joined Jenny Dell on CBS Sports HQ to talk about his new head coach and the trajectory of the team under Pederson. He says their early connection and Pederson’s experience has them off on the right foot.
“We’re building toward something special. It’s been great, just the way (Doug) interacts with the team, the way he leads,” said Lawrence. “I think personality-wise, we’re similar. We get along well. Our demeanors are very similar. Obviously he played quarterback, he has won a Super Bowl as a player and as a coach. He knows how to get there. He knows how to do it. I think that’s really important to have in a leader like that. Just the energy he has brought to the building has been awesome and really building that trust of the team. He has done a great job.”
Pederson was a big part of helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl in the 2017 season. Besides the 13-3 season with the title run, though, his time in Philly was a mixed bag. A 22-25 record the three seasons after Super LII led to his firing after the 2021 season. He took the year off from coaching but was a desired candidate after last season. The Jaguars hired him in order to lead their young group, led by Lawrence, after four straight seasons under .500.
Pederson’s voice will be a welcome addition after Meyer never earned the attention of his locker room. From there, though, it will all be about how Lawrence develops after an up and down rookie season. He showed flashes of his star potential from Clemson but went through the growing pains as well by throwing 17 interceptions, which tied for most in the NFL. While his play on the field grew throughout the season, Meyer’s shortcomings in Jacksonville forced Lawrence to be an even larger voice from day one. The Jaguar QB said that he’s better prepared to take on this season with one pro year now behind him.
“I think (last year) really taught me how to stay the same every day, to be consistent. Just my attitude, my work ethic, no matter how things are going. I know what it’s like to struggle as a rookie,” said Lawrence. “Now in my second year, I have a good feel for the schedule (and) can really feel like I’m prepared.”
The duo of Lawrence and Pederson will begin the first season of their partnership this fall. With a handful of new weapons and the No. 1 pick from the NFL Draft, the Jaguars will look to finish better than fourth in the AFC South for the first time since 2017. They have their man at quarterback and their man at head coach. From here, it’s all about development and, eventually, results.