Lawrence still getting used to speed of NFL: 'Everyone is just better'
Trevor Lawrence entered the NFL as arguably the most hyped quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning, but he's struggled to meet those lofty expectations through two weeks.
While the Jacksonville Jaguars signal-caller has flashed the talent that made him the unquestioned No. 1 selection in this year's draft, he's also thrown a league-high five interceptions (tied with fellow rookie Zach Wilson) and recorded the worst completion percentage (50%) among all starters.
"Everyone is just better, especially in technique, fundamentally," Lawrence said Wednesday, according to Brian Sexton of the Jaguars' official site. "The corners are much better. There is not as much separation. Even the touchdown to Marv (Jones) … when I threw it, there was no separation. Marv did a great job of making a play and separating a little bit. That's just the way it is.
"(I) still have to keep getting used to that and being more accurate. That's the main thing, giving my guys a chance, being more accurate consistently. But I kind of knew everyone was going to be better before I got here, so that's nothing new as far as that goes. I've always had that mindset."
The Jaguars, who began a new era this offseason by drafting Lawrence and hiring legendary college coach Urban Meyer, have gone 0-2 to start the season and own the NFL's third-worst point differential (minus-26).
The disappointment has been so pronounced that Meyer called on the fan base to "hang in there with us" and promised better results were coming.
The head coach was also forced to shut the door on the possibility he would leave the AFC South club to return to the college ranks at USC.
Lawrence, meanwhile, is focused on not overreacting to his early stumbles.
"The thing I have to keep reminding myself is that it's still a game, the same game I've been playing since I was a kid - a game I happen to be good at," Lawrence said.
The Jaguars will look to kick-start their season Sunday against the 2-0 Arizona Cardinals.