The NFL’s Week 4 results have placed the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars at opposite ends of the standings. The Vikings are 4-0, thanks largely to Sam Darnold, who stepped in following the loss of their rookie quarterback. On the other hand, the struggling Jaguars are 0-4, a disappointing start after rewarding their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, with a hefty $275 million extension. Intriguingly, Lawrence and Darnold’s career statistics are strikingly similar, leading one to wonder where things have gone wrong for the Jags.
The Jaguars’ current woes prompt questions about whether they overestimated their potential, a notion symbolized by their hefty payout to Lawrence. This is the team’s fourth 0-4 start in 13 seasons under owner Shad Khan, and the second in four seasons with Lawrence. The upcoming schedule might offer some relief with matches against the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots, but the Jaguars’ missteps in their first four games invite a necessary evaluation.
This is particularly true in the case of the Lawrence-Darnold comparison. While both quarterbacks exhibit comparable performance stats, their individual fortunes diverge with Darnold guiding the Vikings to a 4-0 start and Lawrence aiding in the Jaguars’ dismal performances. Critics emphasize Lawrence’s inconsistency in performance, failing to meet the lofty expectations of the team and fans alike. This situation mirrors that of Carson Wentz as coach Doug Pederson prepares for his fifth season with Lawrence.
Lawrence’s recent performances show a decline, his nine-game losing streak as a starter nearing records held by Carson Palmer and Jared Goff for the longest such streaks since 2000 for quarterbacks drafted No. 1. The decision to extend Lawrence’s contract has come under scrutiny, as did the Jaguars’ decisions in the 2022 draft. However, it’s not only the offense; the defensive changes are worth assessing too. The Jaguars, who ranked 23rd on offense and 11th on defense as measured by EPA per play in the last season, now rank poorly in both areas after major personnel changes in their defensive line-up.
Despite Lawrence’s struggles, the Jaguars’ season is far from over. Their offense can still improve, as can their recently-modified defense. Their early-season losses were often close, indicating that their fortunes could start turning soon. For the Jaguars, it’s not just about boosting players’ performances but also managing expectations. As the team prepares to honor their only winning coach, Tom Coughlin, in Week 5, it is a critical time to reflect on their game strategies, team dynamics, and future aspirations.
