After the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Clemsons signal-caller Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, everyone assumed that he’d be the team’s starting quarterback for this season. But it appears that the Jags’ new head coach Urban Meyer isn’t ready to make this commitment just yet.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, Meyer said that the starting QB job is still up for grabs between Lawrence and last year’s starter Gardner Minshew. While the competition is ongoing, the duo will continue to receive equal first-team offense snaps on practices.
According to Meyer, he will make the final decision in consultation with his coaching staff and hopes to reach it before Jacksonville’s third and final preseason game.
“I do [have a timeline] in my own mind, but once again, it’s conversation that the three people are having daily,” said Meyer referring to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and passing-game coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Lawrence, who comes to NFL after an accomplished college career in which he was the uncontested starter, said that he doesn’t mind competing for the job.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Lawrence explained. “I think that’s the way to run a team, honestly. The best player has to play, and you’ve got to compete.”
Lawrence had a solid outing in the first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, completing six passes out of nine attempted and throwing for 71 yards. He managed to showcase his arm and accuracy in the process, completing a 35 yards pass to veteran wideout Marvin Jones on a third-and-10 late in the first quarter.
Minshew, on the other hand, completed four passes for 47 yards against the Browns and while also throwing an interception.
