Jaguars’ Receivers Struggle as Lawrence Faces League’s Highest Drop Rate
The Jacksonville Jaguars have kicked off their season with a commendable 2-1 record, but their passing game has been far from impressive. Through the first three games, the Jaguars are averaging a mere 214.7 passing yards per game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s performance reflects this struggle, as he has completed only 55.8% of his passes, accumulating 671 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Lawrence’s Burden
While it’s tempting to place the blame solely on Lawrence for the team’s aerial shortcomings, the reality is more nuanced. No one disputes that the young quarterback has room for improvement, but the performance of the Jaguars’ wide receivers has significantly contributed to the challenges in the passing game.
Warren Sharp from Sharp Football Analysis has highlighted some alarming statistics regarding the Jaguars’ receivers, pointing to a deeper issue than just Lawrence’s execution. Since entering the league, Lawrence has suffered from the highest drop rate among quarterbacks in the NFL. According to the data, an astonishing 32% of his incomplete passes can be attributed to receiver errors.
High Drop Rates
The situation came to a head in Week 3, where 13% of Lawrence’s passes were dropped—this marked the second-highest drop rate for any quarterback in the league. As a consequence, Lawrence found himself ranked last in completion percentage based on expectations, a stark reminder of the uphill battle he faces.
The statistics don’t lie: five Jaguars players currently rank among the top 25 in terms of drops this season. Leading the pack is Brian Thomas, who has recorded four drops, tying him for the NFL lead. He is followed by Dyami Brown with three, and both Travis Etienne and Parker Washington, each with two. Travis Hunter also adds two to the mix.
Need for Improvement
The number of dropped passes is not only staggering but also detrimental to the Jaguars’ ambitions. For Jacksonville’s passing game to truly flourish, its receivers must significantly improve their catching ability. They could benefit from extra practice on the JUGS machine—it’s clear that without addressing these errors, the Jaguars’ offense will continue to struggle in the air.
