Trevor Lawrence reveals simple but true reason why Jaguars will level up
It would be effortless to assume that the next step for the Jacksonville Jaguars is all about the players the team has added ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Sure, the Jaguars will benefit enormously from Calvin Ridley's reinstatement and Anton Harrison's arrival at the offensive line. But quarterback Trevor Lawrence also dove into a […]
It would be effortless to assume that the next step for the Jacksonville Jaguars is all about the players the team has added ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Sure, the Jaguars will benefit enormously from Calvin Ridley's reinstatement and Anton Harrison's arrival at the offensive line. But quarterback Trevor Lawrence also dove into a particular reason why the Jags will be able to level up as they prepare to defend their AFC South title.
Experienced voices.
"The biggest thing I notice is we have a lot more voices," Lawrence told reporters earlier this week. "We have a lot more guys leading."
Not only is that key for every NFL team to succeed, it feels particularly relevant for an aspiring contender within the AFC. The conference is led by three juggernauts that have amassed significant playoff experience in the last few years.
The Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Kansas City Chiefs have had recent conference championship appearances. The Bengals made the Super Bowl a couple of years ago and the Chiefs, well… I don't have to tell you about their playoff-winning habits.
Having team leaders that can lead the way for a team that's now become "the hunted" in the division will go a long way.
"We have so many guys that carried over from last year," added Trevor. "And the guys that were new last year, maybe they didn't speak up as much, they just kind of did their job and earned that respect from the teammates."
"I think we've got more guys who are willing to speak up and lead."
For Jacksonville, that might not be enough, however. Rookies like first-rounder Anton Harrison and even sixth-rounder Antonio Johnson are some of the few additions that could really change what the team looks like in 2023.
Can they not only find a way into the playing field and execute but also become immediate leaders? We'll find out.
Featured image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
