Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor credited a starting battle with Walker Little for helping him get better, but he says his huge step up in play in 2022 has more to do with his late father.
“The competition definitely helps, but also, my dad passed in January,” Taylor told reporters Monday. “So I’m trying to dedicate the season to my dad. Just go out there trying to get better every week and help my team win games.”
Taylor, 24, hasn’t allowed a sack or committed a penalty through the Jaguars’ first three games of the season.
Believe in YOURSELF and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is GREATER than any obstacle.. 🤝 #Week3💯 #RipPops☝🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ZJ5XcMuARf
— Jawaan M. Taylor ♛ (@jawaan_taylor74) September 25, 2022
His play in 2022 is a stark contrast to previous seasons when the 2019 second-round pick was somewhat of a liability for the Jaguars. Last season, 14 flags were thrown on Taylor (11 for holding, three for false start) with three of those penalty calls declined. He was also credited by Pro Football Focus with allowing six sacks.
Against the Los Angeles Chargers — a team that boasts the pass rushing duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa — Trevor Lawrence wasn’t sacked once. While Bosa left early in the game with a groin injury, Mack wasn’t even able to record a hit on Lawrence.
“That’s always our goal, to go out and keep him protected so he can go out there and make great plays,” Taylor said of Lawrence. “So we take a lot of pride in that, and I feel like we had a great week of preparation, and we’ve got another great defense this week. We’re just trying to have great weeks of preparation every week and just hone in on our technique and get better.”
Taylor is set to become a free agent after the 2022 season.