Doug Pederson explains how Trevor Lawrence is holding Jaguars offense back
One season after ranking 10th in the NFL in both total offense and scoring offense, the Jacksonville Jaguars have regressed.
While averaging 30 fewer yards and two fewer points per game this year may not seem like a such a big drop off, the Jags have scored 21 or fewer points in five of their nine games – including a combined 23 points in their last two outings. Their offensive ineptitude was front and center during the team’s 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
With some seeking answers for Jacksonville’s recent offensive struggles, head coach Doug Pederson said it’s actually because of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
“Sure, one of the things that we haven't been able to do (much) because of Trevor's condition with his knee is just move him a little bit more,” Pederson told reporters on Wednesday. “Sometimes, you can create things off of that, but he's been limited that way. Play-action passes can be an opportunity to shoot the ball down the field on first or second down, the screen game — you've seen hit a little bit — those are ways to create some explosives (with Lawrence’s limited mobility).”
Lawrence injured his knee in a 37-20 Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts. In the three games since, he has averaged 227 yards passing per outing and thrown two touchdowns to three interceptions. He's also been sacked eight times.
The 24-year-old QB has worn a brace on his knee since the injury occurred, but he seemed optimistic it’s finally beginning to heal and that he won’t be limited as much in what plays he can run.
“[My knee is] feeling better,” Lawrence told reporters. “It's finally getting to where I'm not going to really think about it as much and won't be as much as an issue. I feel like I'm starting to move pretty fluid and it's not bothering when I do much. … We've been able to protect it the last few weeks and I'm excited to hopefully finally get going and just play normal, move around, all that stuff.”
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