The Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged as one of the most formidable teams in the NFL as they approach the playoffs. Much of this success can be attributed to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is experiencing the best stretch of his career. Since Week 13, Lawrence has committed no turnover-worthy plays over his last four games, boasting a remarkable 91.6 PFF passing grade and a passer rating of 120.8.
Head coach Liam Coen has played a crucial role in maximizing Lawrence’s potential while shifting the Jaguars’ offensive strategy to push the ball downfield. Lawrence’s average depth of target has surpassed 10.0 yards in five of the past six games. This change in approach typically presents challenges regarding turnovers, yet Coen and Lawrence have managed to find a balance that has kept the Jaguars competitive.
Despite not having elite playmakers on the roster, the Jaguars have crafted a top-10 offense. Lawrence’s wide receivers do not rank among the league’s highest in average annual contract value or receiving yards. Furthermore, the team leads the NFL in drops by open receivers, indicative of concentration issues. On the ground, running back Travis Etienne ranks 25th among running backs with a PFF rushing grade of 72.3.
Parker Washington’s Breakout Performance
One of the key factors in the Jaguars’ offensive resurgence has been the emergence of wide receiver Parker Washington. A former sixth-round draft pick, Washington has gone from relative obscurity to being a central figure in the Jaguars’ passing game. In Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, he recorded 145 receiving yards and a PFF grade of 90.7. His consistent performance began in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught all five targets for 76 yards.
Washington’s opportunity increased significantly following the season-ending injury of teammate Travis Hunter in late October. Since the Jaguars’ Week 8 bye, Washington has thrived, with Lawrence achieving an impressive passer rating of 145.1 when targeting him. A shift back to the slot position, where Washington is most comfortable, has also contributed to his success. Before the bye, he played only 37% of his snaps in the slot, but that number jumped to 58% after the bye.
Jakobi Meyers Finds His Place
Another important component of Coen’s strategy is the utilization of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. After starting the season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he predominantly played in the slot, Meyers was traded to Jacksonville. Since joining the Jaguars, he has increased his alignment on the outside to 74% of his snaps, aligning more closely with his skill set as an X receiver.
Meyers’s performance has improved dramatically with the Jaguars. His PFF grade has risen from 63.4 with the Raiders to 75.6, and his yards per route run have increased from 1.45 to 1.94. Additionally, his passer rating when targeted is now at 102.5, a significant leap from the 55.2 mark he posted in Las Vegas.
A New Offensive Approach
Under Coen’s guidance, Lawrence has also adapted his playing style, spending more time under center and utilizing structured play-action concepts. This tactic provides Lawrence with a rhythm that contrasts with his previous reliance on shotgun formations. Notably, the Jaguars have become the only NFL team to use 11 personnel on over 50% of their under-center dropbacks.
While many teams pair under-center looks with additional tight ends to bolster the run game, Coen opts to keep three wide receivers on the field, creating stress for opposing defenses. Jacksonville leads the league in screen passes from under center, using them on 21% of such dropbacks. This strategy forces defenders to remain closer to the line of scrimmage, mitigating the risk of deeper pass plays.
Lawrence has also demonstrated increased mobility this season, recording 34 rushing first downs, the third most in the NFL. His willingness to utilize his legs has been pivotal, especially compared to his injury-shortened 2024 season. He has excelled against Cover 1 defenses, achieving an 87.3 PFF passing grade, despite some unfortunate turnover luck.
As the Jaguars approach the playoffs, their explosive passing attack, coupled with a defense capable of creating turnovers, positions them as serious contenders. While drops have been a significant issue, this metric is historically volatile and could regress to more typical levels, potentially enhancing their performance as they advance.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, with Trevor Lawrence leading the way and Liam Coen orchestrating an innovative offense, are poised to make a significant impact in the postseason.
