Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer told the media that he does have a preferred timeline to name a starter at quarterback on Friday, but as expected, he didn’t show his hand and reveal it. Instead, he said it could carry on through the final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday, but would rather it not drag on.
“I do [have a timeline] in my own mind, but once again, it’s conversation that the three people are having daily,” Meyer said. “In theory it could [go through the final preseason game on Aug. 29], but I’d rather not.”
These statements come after fans have started to grow impatient with Trevor Lawrence not being handed the keys to the offense over third-year quarterback Gardner Minshew II. Additionally, Lawrence has looked better than Minshew in training camp, and the longer he has to alternate days with the first team, the more getting off to a fast regular season feels unlikely.
As for Lawrence himself, he told the media that he’s not bothered by there being a competition on Friday and added that he would continue to look to take advantage of every rep he receives.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Lawrence said. “I think that’s the way to run a team, honestly. The best player has to play and you’ve got to compete. As a first-year player coming in, it’s kind of what’s expected. You want to compete for the job. There’s a right way to do things, and I think they’ve handled it great. We’re in a good spot and we’re just going to keep working, and I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity I get. That’s all I can really do.”
It’s unknown if the rookie will be the starter Monday against the New Orleans Saints, but offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said it’s likely. If that happens, Lawrence could see some quality reps if the Saints play their starters as their defense was a top-10 unit last season. And while Bevell told the media that preseason performances don’t necessarily affect roster competitions, one would have to think a solid night by Lawrence on Monday put the pressure on the staff not to prolong this process.