OTAs 2022: Lawrence liking new scheme

JACKSONVILLE – Trevor Lawrence‘s reasons for optimism are many.

There are big-picture reasons such as Head Coach Doug Pederson and an experienced, deep offensive coaching staff. Lawrence discussed those reasons Monday and also discussed something more specific: Pederson’s offensive scheme.

Lawrence likes the offense, and he’s getting more comfortable in it every day.

“It allows us to play fast,” Lawrence said this week as the Jaguars began the third and final week of 2022 Organized Team Activities as TIAA Bank Field.

Lawrence, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, is entering his second season as an NFL starting quarterback. But it’s his first season in Pederson’s offense, the strength of which Lawrence said is that it allows to play instinctively.

“We mix it up a lot,” Lawrence said. “There are a lot of outlets for the quarterback to put yourself in the right position. There are a lot of answers and a lot of adjustments, but only if you need them. If not, you can play fast and guys can play free. It really lets people react.

“That’s the whole idea – to give you the answers. But at some point, you have to go play and play fast. That’s what we’re getting now, to where we’re understanding everything and can go play.”

Pederson early this week praised Lawrence, citing his progress made throughout the ’22 offseason program.

“He’s doing a really nice job,” Pederson said. “He’s leading the football team, No. 1. He’s executing the offense. We’ve obviously been impressed with him throwing the football – and how easy is it for him to throw.”

Pederson said Lawrence’s communication has been particularly notable.

“That’s the growth process,” Pederson said. “It has been fun to get to know him a little. We’ve put him in some tough situations. We’ve put the whole team in tough situations. That’s part of the process, too. He has been able to handle those really well.”

The Jaguars on Monday started Week 3 of OTAs, with Lawrence and most veterans having been in the team’s…