Trevor Lawrence’s slow start to his NFL career may have ramifications for the Jaguars.
The No. 1 pick‘s tough rookie season has led to internal debate within the organization about the best way to develop the quarterback and could result in coaching staff changes this offseason, CBS Sports reported Sunday.
Lawrence entered Week 11 having completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,983 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions while running for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Those struggles continued Sunday in the Jaguars’ (2-8) 30-10 loss to the 49ers as Lawrence completed 16 of 25 passes for 158 yards and did not throw a touchdown or an interception.
While Lawrence was expected to experience some growing pains adjusting to the NFL, his introduction has been a far cry from the production and success he enjoyed at Clemson.
Head coach Urban Meyer and the Jaguars staff have debated how much to rely on the run-pass option offense that Lawrence dazzled in at college, according to CBS Sports, though it would also come with a higher injury risk by running it against NFL defenses.
Sunday’s report also indicated that there has been “tension and turmoil” within the Jaguars’ staff since the offseason, leading to further speculation that there may be a shakeup after the current season. Position coaches, including running backs coach Bernie Parmalee and wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal, have been the targets of some of Meyer’s “diatribes,” the report said. Quarterback coach Brian Schottenheimer could also get caught in the crosshairs of Lawrence’s disappointing season thus far.
Lawrence’s lack of progression has been the latest development in Meyer’s rocky rookie season in the NFL. The longtime college coach was recently at the center of controversy when he stayed in Ohio after a Thursday night game in October and was filmed dancing with a woman — who was not his wife, Shelley — at his Urban Chophouse restaurant. Meyer later apologized for the incident.