Even as the Jaguars suggested in June they would hold a quarterback competition, such a plan seemed difficult to believe. The Jags drafted Trevor Lawrence, the most celebrated QB prospect since at least Andrew Luck, and went through three starters last season.
Jacksonville securing the No. 1 overall pick undoubtedly influenced Urban Meyer to make the jump to the NFL. Two months later, however, the first-year Jags HC is sticking to his guns on refusing to turn the keys over to Lawrence. Meyer did not say if either Lawrence or Gardner Minshew would start in Jacksonville’s preseason opener Saturday in Cleveland.
Regarding the chance Lawrence does not start in Week 1, Meyer said, “I think we’ll answer that as we get closer.” It would be stunning if the top quarterback investment in Jaguars history does not take over from the jump, but Minshew has won Meyer over during camp.
“He’s earned my respect. I love that guy,” Meyer said, via NFL.com. “He’s a warrior, competitor. He’s a fighter. I told him that. I just got great respect for Minshew. He brings it every day, every day.”
This praise may not translate to the former sixth-round afterthought keeping Lawrence out of the lineup, but it is rather interesting this remains a question. Meyer said following the Jags’ minicamp Lawrence was not ready to take over yet but acknowledged the prized prospect certainly could prove himself worthy in camp. Although Minshew was benched last season, as the Jags’ losing streak brought Lawrence into the equation, he raised his completion percentage by six points and finished the year at 66%. This came with a similar yards-per-attempt figure (6.9) compared to his rookie-year number (7.0). Minshew has a 37-11 career TD-INT ratio.
Even if Lawrence takes over as planned, Minshew would profile as one of the NFL’s better backups. The Washington State alum came up in trade rumors earlier this offseason, with the Jags signing C.J. Beathard. But Meyer shot down the notion Minshew was available. And the third-year passer has remained a factor in the Jaguars’ decision-making into training camp.
You know .. this seems like a message to Trevor to work as hard as Minshew. Maybe not but it sounds like it. I hope Trevor is as advertised but 1st round busts are not uncommon …. Akili Smith , Ryan Leaf , Jamarcus Russell to name a few
Vince Young, RGIII, Rosen, Locker, Lynch…
I view QB busts differently, there’s really only 1 or 2 deserving QBs each year, except for a few years when there’s none. So agree with most but Lock, Rosen, Lynch are only busts because the team reached or was QB desperate.
well put
That’s the problem, every year there are more teams looking for franchise QBs than franchise QBs available in the draft and teams know they won’t find one in free agency or via trade. But they get so desperate they push guys up in the draft. A 2nd or 3rd project with potential ends up in the 1st. And a late 1st rounder get pushed up to the top few picks out of desperation.
IMO RGIII wouldn’t have made this list if it wasn’t for that horrific injury his rookie year. He had the talent to succeed but lost his legs and that was it.
The rest sucked.
And that’s why they are the Jags
lol
Week 1 QB Dark Horse starter: Tebow
That would be surreal hilarious!!
or urb could just go get his guy cardale jones. he still plays qb.
Did Meyer actually refer to himself in third person or is that a misquote?
No, pay attention to where the quote opens and closes.
Regarding the chance Lawrence does not start in Week 1, Meyer said, “I think we’ll answer that as we get closer.” It would be stunning if the top quarterback investment in Jaguars history does not take over from the jump, but Minshew has won Meyer over during camp.
This might be wise. The O-line is likely not settled in yet. It’s rarely productive for a rookie QB to try to learn while he’s running for his life. Also, maybe this is a Minshew showcase. The old regime soured on Minshew, but maybe Meyer thinks he can put him in position to succeed and build his value. No matter how you look at it, the safe approach is to wait. The Jags aren’t going anywhere this year.
The offensive line is the strongest part of the Jaguars team. I’m so tired of people saying that. It’s ridiculous. How would you explain James Robinson getting 1070 yds? The QB’s were never under direst during the season so just stop it. What games were you watching?
The entire offense is learning a new scheme. My statement made no judgement about the talent of the line or last year’s performance. The line is likely to be more “settled” or comfortable with the new scheme later in the season. But for argument’s sake, PFF has Cam Robinson as the 62nd out of 74 tackles based on last season. Not great. But relax man, it’s Jaguars football.
Doesn’t matter Meyer will getting caught cheating soon, develop a “ mystery illness” and be gone and the entire process can start over.
“Hey, as a head coach, I could do anything I wanted to in college…”
– Urban Meyer
…because they have so many other great options.
Hugely unlikely but with Micheal Thomas having issues with the Saints and the Saints having issues with him. Could he be a possible trade candidate. If so what’s the odds he links up with his former college coach in Urban Meyer and play with promising young QB, Trevor Lawrence?
I have no idea about how contracts and transferring money works, all I know is it’s not like the NBA. Saints have interest in cutting cost however, they also have interest in CJ Henderson who the Jags could offer.
The Jags have a decent o line, Lawrence throwing the ball, Eitene and Robinson as runners and then Thomas headline the receivers along with Shenault, Chark and Jones. Just go heavy in defence for a couple drafts and this team would be really good.
Urban Meyer reminds me a bit of former Bucs coach John McKay who also liked to have some fun playing with the media. You can do that when you’re a new HC and there are no expectations on your team to achieve any success. Eventually though, you have to show you can do more than just talk the talk.
McKay’s reply to a question a reporter asked about his team’s execution is still possibly the funniest ever!
The media guys loved McKay which might explain why he lasted as long as he did.
That’s an excellent point…
Obviously it’s going to be Tebow
When he comes out of Khan’s office, Lawrence is the starter
No:2 IS an option!!!