Yesterday, Jacksonville saw a frightening moment when quarterback Trevor Lawrence took a brutal hit during a game against the Texans. As Lawrence scrambled for a first down, linebacker Aziz Al-Shaair hit him hard, resulting in a concussion that left Lawrence carted off the field. The hit was immediately concerning, and there’s growing speculation that this injury could end Lawrence’s season.
Lawrence had already been dealing with a shoulder injury, and now with the concussion, it’s unclear if he’ll return to play. With the Jaguars’ season effectively over at 2-10, many are questioning whether it makes sense to risk his health any further. Given the state of the team and the nature of his injuries, it would be wise to sit Lawrence for the rest of the season and start focusing on preparing for 2025 instead.
Adding to the tension in Jacksonville, there has been significant speculation about the future of head coach Doug Pederson. Despite the team’s struggles, no changes have been made to the coaching staff, and it seems like the Jaguars will ride out the rest of the season under Pederson’s leadership. However, with the season slipping away, questions about his future and the direction of the team are inevitable.
One development that stands out, though, is the contract extension for offensive lineman Walker Little, signed just before the game. This move, made by general manager Trent Baalke, indicates the Jaguars are still looking to build for the future, even as their season falters. However, many expect some changes in Jacksonville come the offseason.
The hit on Lawrence by Al-Shaair has drawn significant criticism. While the linebacker later apologized, admitting that he thought Lawrence slid late, many viewed the hit as dirty and unnecessary. Al-Shaair is expected to be suspended for the hit, which many feel was both late and dangerous. Though defenders often walk a fine line when tackling quarterbacks who scramble and then slide, this particular hit was widely seen as a clear violation of player safety protocols.
As the suspension process unfolds, the focus should shift to how defenders are taught to handle situations like this. When a quarterback slides late while running for a first down, defenders must do their best to avoid head contact, which is increasingly scrutinized in today’s game. While it’s impossible to avoid every hit entirely, defenders must show that they’re making an effort to minimize damage and not target the head or neck area.
With Lawrence’s injury, the Jaguars’ season now feels like a lost cause. The best option for the team, as well as for Lawrence’s future, may be to rest him for the remainder of the year. The franchise has to prioritize his health to avoid any further damage. As for head coach Doug Pederson, the team is likely to evaluate his future in the coming months, but for now, the focus is on ensuring that Trevor Lawrence recovers fully for the 2025 season.
