Since entering the NFL in 2021, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been surrounded by immense anticipation. He ignited the popular notion of “Tank for Trevor,” as teams vied for the chance to secure the top draft pick and select him. The hype surrounding his arrival was nothing short of historic, setting a high bar for expectations.
The Jaguars’ Struggles Despite Talented Roster
While the Jacksonville Jaguars managed to clinch the first overall pick, the team’s subsequent performance leaves much to be desired. Recently, media discussions have begun highlighting a lack of accountability for Lawrence amid the Jags’ ongoing struggles. Former NFL player and current analyst Jason Cabinda has voiced concerns that Lawrence isn’t receiving appropriate scrutiny for his performance, particularly following significant losses.
Cabinda’s Call for Accountability
In a critical analysis, Cabinda pointed to Lawrence’s mistakes, specifically targeting a pivotal interception that sealed a heart-wrenching 36-29 defeat against the Houston Texans. At one point, the Jaguars were leading 29-10, which makes the collapse even more glaring.
“We don’t talk about the Trevor Lawrence problem. When things go wrong, Trevor Lawrence, for some reason, somehow, someway, we find somewhere else to point besides the quarterback,” stated Cabinda during a CBS broadcast. This sentiment encapsulates a growing frustration among analysts and fans alike, as losses mount.
Contrasting Expectations: Lawrence vs. Other Quarterbacks
“Besides the $100 million quarterback… When games like this happen, I don’t understand why we do not point the finger at Trevor Lawrence,” Cabinda lamented, stressing the disparity in scrutiny compared to his peers.
Despite a promising 2022 season, where he led the Jaguars to a 9-8 record and a playoff victory—also garnering some MVP votes—Lawrence’s subsequent performance has raised more questions than answers. With a 15-20 record over the past three seasons, including a dismal 2-8 record last year, it’s clear that his trajectory has not aligned with his talent.
The Mega-Contract Controversy
Against this backdrop, Lawrence secured a hefty five-year contract worth $275 million, expected in today’s market for quarterbacks deemed franchise players. Surprisingly, Cabinda noted that this contract drew little scrutiny, especially in light of discussions surrounding players like Brock Purdy, a seventh-round pick who led his team to the Super Bowl.
“We had Brock Purdy contract discussions, and we’re talking so much about him, but a guy who’s drafted in the first round hasn’t delivered results for his organization, yet nobody said a word when it came time for him to be extended,”
Florida’s ‘Franchise Quarterback’ Reality Check
Although Cabinda inaccurately termed Lawrence’s deal as “$100 million,” he raised valid concerns about the differing standards placed on quarterbacks based on their draft positions. Why does a former No. 1 overall pick seem to escape fierce criticism while underperforming, compared to lesser-drafted players who flourish?
Data reveals that Lawrence’s statistics in 2025 indicate a troubling trend. His completion percentage (59.5), touchdown rate (3.2), success rate (40.4), yards per attempt (6.3), and passer rating (79.3) are all setbacks compared to his rookie year. These figures point to a quarterback who may need to reassess his approach or face intensified scrutiny moving forward.
Conclusion
The spotlight on Trevor Lawrence will continue to shine brightly as both fans and analysts demand accountability. With high expectations come high stakes, and as the Jaguars navigate their challenges, the conversation around Lawrence’s performance will inevitably evolve. How he adapts to this pressure could very well define his career trajectory and the future of the franchise.
