Trevor Lawrence: Improvements, How Do Chiefs Defend Him?

This Saturday’s Divisional Round playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars will be a rematch from the regular season. Kansas City won the first meeting 27-17, where both team’s quarterbacks stood out in multiple areas. Patrick Mahomes appears set to win his second career NFL MVP award. On the flip side, Trevor Lawrence had a stellar finish to the season, following an up and down start to 2022.

Going into the first meeting with the Chiefs in the regular season, Trevor Lawrence was struggling to find his footing. The lowest point of his season came two weeks before the Kansas City matchup, an absolute dud against the Denver Broncos in London. His October brought many of Lawrence’s issues to the forefront. His inability to read the field was extremely prevalent. For instance, Lawrence failed to see defenders that were watching his eyes and waiting to jump routes. This was resulting because of Lawrence staring down his receivers for far too long. When you combine that with Jacksonville working their way up in the passing game, starting with the short to intermediate passing game, Lawrence was boxed into predictable throws.

Essentially, the Jaguars quarterback was failing to recognize different wrinkles in coverage. You also had fundamental issues like wonky footwork, a throwing base that was not firm and being too far up on his toes at the release of his pass. Squaring up his hips and shoulders were other areas of improvement.

Where has Trevor Lawrence improved the most since his first meeting with the Chiefs? Plus, will Kansas City possibly defend him differently in this Divisional Round playoff game? Let’s kick it off.

Revisiting Lawrence’s First Performance Vs Chiefs

In the regular season meeting with the Chiefs, it was a mixed bag, regarding Trevor Lawrence’s performance. Though, you could argue that the good results slightly outweighed the poor moments. First off, Lawrence was more stable with his throwing motion and throwing base, utilizing his impressive velocity. There was also a greater comfort in Lawrence, when he was trying to read the field and recognize coverages. That led to him testing different areas of the field, including the perimeter and deeper portions more often. Sure, Lawrence may not have been the most accurate in every area. Yet, he was attacking defensive backs with more confidence. Furthermore, Lawrence was able to work through his progressions and found better timing through the air, as a result.

If anything, his pocket awareness and inability to feel pressure was still hit or miss against Kansas City the first time around. Lawrence was sacked five times and suffered six quarterback hits. Of course, the Chiefs have been among the best as a pass rush throughout most of the season. Overall, Trevor Lawrence will have to learn from the blitz packages that Kansas City showed the first time around.

What Areas Has Lawrence Improved In The Most?

So, where has Trevor Lawrence improved the most down the stretch? Arguably, the biggest improvement that he has made is reading, recognizing and reacting to defenses and their coverages. Jacksonville has seen Lawrence pull the trigger with more urgency, so to speak. Once he sees a safety or cornerback show him a sign of where they are trying to position themselves, Lawrence goes for the smarter decision and smarter throw as quickly as he can.

On top of that, he has been able to recognize leverage, when it comes to his pass catchers being matched up with opposing defensive backs. Lawrence continues to work through his entire progressions more consistently. Because of that, the Jaguars are seeing their signal caller create and extend plays more comfortably, if necessary. He is also learning when the best time is to go for the deep shot or take what the defense is giving to him.

Beyond those mental processing parts of his game, Trevor Lawrence has shown fundamental improvements. Largely, you see him stepping up and maneuvering in the pocket more often, rather than being a statue. His throwing base is much more secure, allowing his velocity and accuracy to stay balanced as well. Once a younger quarterback figures out any issues regarding poor footwork, it seems to be that they find their groove in their entire release and throwing motion. For Trevor Lawrence, his ability to just let it fly with a flick of the wrist looks much more natural at this point in the season.

Will Chiefs Alter Defensive Gameplan Against Jaguars Quarterback?

If you watched the first meeting between the Chiefs and the Jaguars, you know that Trevor Lawrence was forced to be sharp when throwing against man coverage. Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for utilizing press man coverage most of the time. Rookie defenders like Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson have easily made this a stiffer part of the Kansas City defense. With their mix of length, athleticism and change of direction skills, this young trio, along with L’Jarius Sneed is making it challenging for opponents to separate down the field.

It would not be surprising to see the Chiefs stick with their same press man coverage tendencies throughout most of the Divisional Round playoff game. At the same time, there is a chance we see Spagnuolo mix and match with disguising coverages more often. Trevor Lawrence may end up seeing more split zones, man under coverages with two high shells and less one-on-one matchups for his pass catchers. Once again, that adjustment by the Chiefs may be slim. Kansas City generally offers a few new wrinkles come playoff time, nevertheless.