2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Jacksonville Jaguars

By Colum Dell | Last updated Jan 19, 2023 10:04 AM ET

Current starter: Trevor Lawrence | Current backups: C.J. Beathard, Nathan Rourke

State of the position: Jacksonville has its long-awaited savior in Lawrence, who looks poised to become one of the league's top passers. After a disastrous rookie season under Urban Meyer, the 2022 No. 1 pick is flourishing under Super Bowl-winning HC Doug Pederson. The new duo has guided Jacksonville from the league's worst record to an AFC South division crown.

Lawrence's playoff debut couldn't have started worse -- he threw four first-half interceptions, and the Chargers jumped to a 27-0 lead. In the second half, he flipped the script, throwing three touchdown passes as Jacksonville rallied to a 31-30 win.

The former Clemson Tiger went 28-for-47 for 288 yards with four TDs and four interceptions to lead Jacksonville to its first playoff win since 2017-18. He became the second player to throw four interceptions and four touchdowns in a playoff game, according to StatMuse.

After the victory, Lawrence celebrated with a meal at Waffle House (h/t New York Post). What's not to like about this guy?

Behind Lawrence on the depth chart is Beathard, the current backup, and Rourke, a recent CFL signing. Rourke had a historic 2022 season, breaking the CFL record in completion percentage (78.7%). He also had the second-best QBR in league history (123.6).

Key stat: Lawrence is the youngest player in NFL history to throw 4+ touchdown passes in a playoff game (23 years, 100 days).

2023 QB forecast: Lawrence, who has succeeded at every level, can deliver Jacksonville a championship in the next decade. This year's postseason experience will be invaluable for his development. Once former Falcon WR Calvin Ridley joins Jacksonville's explosive offense next season, expect the young QB to take another leap. The NFL suspended Ridley for the 2022 season for gambling.

As for Jacksonville's backup job, with Beathard set to hit free agency, the signing of Rourke signals that it's likely his to lose.

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