Jacksonville Jaguars: Are They Turning A Corner?

When it comes to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it seems like it has been doom and gloom for far too long. The only constant is their inconsistency and the only thing they’ve competed for is the first pick in the NFL Draft. Despite their setbacks and miscues, something is brewing this season that makes it seem like the team could be finally making their turnaround.

While they probably won’t be competing in the playoffs in 2022, the Jags have reason to be excited. Doug Pederson took the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl championship and now looks to turn it around in Jacksonville. The team might still be under .500 win % but they are coming off a huge win versus the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys. If they can pull off a 7 or 8-win season, fans ought to consider it a step in the right direction after so many years of 1-2 wins.

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The first sign that the Jacksonville Jaguars might be making the leap is the increased production out of their franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Statistically, he’s playing a lot better this season and improving in most categories over his rookie campaign. When a young quarterback can make a leap in year two, it is a sign that the team is developing and turning a corner. If the QB regresses, there’s an indicator that he might not be ready for NFL-level competition. More often than not, QBs get thrust into bad situations, and play on the field shows it.

Year two is the true indicator that they’re on the right path. Now your roster has the picks from that draft class, the year of free agency, and the year after’s draft picks. Year two is where you’ll likely have the most turnover in the roster with new players to build around a young QB.

With that being said, going back to Trevor Lawrence, he and the Jacksonville Jaguars might not be playing at a playoff-caliber level yet, but they’re getting progress. Lawrence has thrown close to his yards total for last year with 3 games to go. He’s also limited his turnovers and increased his touchdowns. While it is a team sport, your quarterback’s success is usually the indicator of your team’s success. With the right guy under center, it’s easier to build the talent around him. If he’s successful and improving with a limited roster overhaul, imagine what they’ll be like in another year or two under Pederson. Jacksonville might not be there yet, but their time could be coming.