The Jaguars are free-fallin'. So is their starting quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.
Jacksonville's lead signal-caller has endured a harrowing start to the campaign, entering Monday's match against the Bills completing just 51 percent of his passes this year.
His struggles continued against Buffalo's mighty defense. It might have led to his early dismissal. Following a host of error-filled Jaguars drives, Lawrence was hooked, replaced by fellow 2021 first-rounder Mac Jones.
Here's what you need to know.
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Lawrence's removal from Monday night's clash could stem from one of a few factors. The former No. 1 overall pick toiled amid a steady stream of Bills defenders swarming into his pocket, posting a final stat line of 21-of-38 passing for 178 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Simply put, he wasn't very good. He had a few moments of verve, including a delicate touchdown pass to Brenton Strange when the game was already out of hand.
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By and large, though, Lawrence struggled. His lowest moment came towards the end of the first half when he airmailed a wide-open Brian Thomas Jr. His pass found the waiting hands of Damar Hamlin, who secured his first-career interception under the bright Highmark Stadium lights.
Lawrence's foibles very well could have served as reason enough for Pederson to pull the plug on his franchise quarterback. Lawrence hasn't won a game in his last eight starts. With Jacksonville staring at an 0-3 start — one that effectively eliminates it from postseason contention — such a change could be viewed as symbolic.
There is another frame of thinking, though. Lawrence was poor on Monday night, but he wasn't alone. Buffalo routinely breached the Jags' offensive line, sending Lawrence to the turf behind the line of scrimmage on four separate occasions.
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Lawrence is not only Jacksonville's franchise QB. He also represents a significant investment for his employers, who dumped $275 million into the slick-haired hurler. Given the punishment he already endured in the opening three quarters, Pederson's swap was mostly to protect the Jaguars' most valuable asset.
Lawrence will definitely be under center for Jacksonville in Week 4 — and well beyond — but his late-game removal vs. Buffalo isn't a great sign of the Jaguars' current prospects.
