When the Jacksonville Jaguars entered this offseason, they knew it was important to hire a coach who had experience on the offensive side due to having Trevor Lawrence on the roster. They found just that in Doug Pederson, who not only was an offensive-minded coach but who was also a former NFL quarterback.
Pederson is a coach who brings significant experience to Jacksonville after spending five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. While there he won a Super Bowl title with a combination of Carson Wentz and Nick Foles behind center. Now, he will have a player who most believes is more talented than both in Lawrence, which could make the duo of Pederson and Lawrence one of the NFL’s best.
In their preview of top new coach-quarterback duos, CBS Sports ranked Pederson and Lawrence at the No. 7 spot out of 16. Here is what Cody Benjamin said in the rankings about the duo, who could eventually get Duval to the promised land.
7. Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence (QB), Doug Pederson (HC)*
Surprised they’re so high? Try to remember how unanimously beloved Lawrence was coming out of college just one year ago. Tools-wise, he’s all there, and now he’s got a coach in Pederson who’s proven he can get the best out of young QBs and/or rosters recovering from broken locker rooms. The growing pains are inevitable, but the match makes lots of sense on paper.
Benjamin is right about Pederson’s ability to get the best out of young offensive players. Fans witnessed that with the Eagles where he not only got the best out of Wentz and Foles, but others on offense like receivers Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor, tight end Zach Ertz, and several others. With the way Pederson was able to make each aforementioned player and others play at a high level the Eagles were a force to be reckoned with.
Pederson is heading into a similar situation in Jacksonville where the offense has players who could blossom around Lawrence but aren’t household names just yet. However, if Pederson’s development skills are still as good as they were during his first tenure as a coach, the Jags will be back on their feet before fans realize it.
