It's the quarterback who's always under the spotlight, and this is no different for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fifth-year veteran Trevor Lawrence is entering a make-or-break season.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report seconded that opinion, claiming the Clemson grad is one of the six players in the league under the most pressure. It's telling that five of their six chosen players are quarterbacks. Here's some of what he had to say:
"[Liam] Coen's presence was expected to elevate Lawrence back to a Pro Bowl level," Kay explained when discussing why Lawrence is under pressure. "Baker Mayfield thrived in ths coache's system last year, putting up a career-best 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchddowns while leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs."
Kay continued, "Coen's scheming hasn't had the effect on Lawrence. If the signal-caller struggles again when the Houston Texans come to town in Week 3, it could be to panic in Jacksonville."
But is this a fair assessment? While Lawrence certainly deserves his share of scrutiny, I'm not so sure he's the one who should be on the hot seat after the Jaguars' Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite his two interceptions, he still put up 271 yards and three touchdowns—and we can argue that one of those interceptions doesn't rest on Lawrence's shoulders. Head coach Liam Coen certainly thought Lawrence played well enough to win.
"We can win with him playing like that, and obviously limiting the turnovers... I was very proud of the competitor that he was today."
Coach Coen on Trevor Lawrence's performance. pic.twitter.com/ibFc2pmPWl
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 14, 2025
Related: 2 winners (and 2 losers) for Jaguars in Week 2 loss at Cincinnati
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. is suffering from a clear sophomore slump
We've chatted about this already, specifically here, but Brian Thomas Jr. isn't having quite the Pro Bowl season he had a year ago. It's not like the Jaguars aren't trying to get him the ball—he's already gotten 19 targets, but he's only managed to bring in five receptions for 60 yards. And his longest was a paltry 18-yard catch and run.
Some of this can certainly be attributed to a relatively new connection between quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Thomas, especially since Mac Jones started most of last season thanks to an injury. But Thomas also seems to be showing a bit of hesitation, perhaps avoiding contact and letting some catchable balls go by. Yet another possible explanation could be a lingering wrist injury, though NBC Sports claims it sounds like "a cop out."
Coen's scheming hasn't had that effect on Lawrence. If the signal-caller struggles again when the Houston Texans come to town in Week 3, it could be time to panic in Jacksonville.
Whatever the cause, Bleacher Report might want to consider revamping that list and swapping Lawrence for Thomas. Yes, both players are under the microscope, but so is everyone on the Jaguars. While No. 16 has been showing steady improvement, the LSU alum and second-year receiver seems to be almost MIA.
Related: Jaguars earn deserved tumble in Power Rankings after frustrating loss to Bengals
Final thoughts
With new leadership and a mandate to win, Lawrence is certainly worthy of extra attention this season. He has to stand out, and he has to play well enough for the Jaguars to win. I think he did that in Week 2 despite the loss and two interceptions. Former Pro Bowler Brian Thomas Jr. deserves his own microscope this year, though I fully expect him and Lawrence to click soon. Watch out for a big Week 3 against the Houston Texans.
After all, they'll be in their throwback Prowlers. Even if they lose, they'll look good doing it.
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