Urban Meyer says Jaguars starting quarterback is open competition

Urban Meyer is saying that it’s an open competition between Trevor Lawrence and Gardner Minshew to be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting quarterback. 

Jaguars coach Urban Meyer said it’s an open competition between QBs Trevor Lawrence and Gardner Minshew to start the season opener against Houston.

— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) August 12, 2021

Evidently, Meyer is keeping the Houston Texans on their toes for Week 1. While the Jaguars selected Lawrence first overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Minshew has been with the franchise since 2019.

In addition, the first-year Jaguars head coach added that both quarterbacks will play in the first preseason game Saturday against the Cleveland Browns. Don’t look at the team’s official depth chart for answers to the question of who starts though, as it simply states “Garnder Minshew or Trevor Lawrence” in the quarterback position.

While Minshew has been average in playing time throughout his career, it’s widely believed that Meyer’s words don’t represent the actual truth. For example, by not naming Lawrence the unquestioned starter, the coach is proving a point that nothing is handed to anyone on his team. 

In addition, Meyer may also be attempting to drive up Minshew’s value for a potential trade. With Lawrence in tow, the former Washington State Cougar may be more useful to the franchise on the trade market. By keeping him in the conversation for the starting quarterback job, it could conceivably give the Jaguars more leverage if the phone rings for a trade.

While Minshew’s infectious personality and solid play make him one of the league’s most interesting players, his aura would catapult to a new level if he beat out Lawrence for the job. Still, don’t get your hopes up for “Minshew Mania” to take over Jacksonville in 2021.

Urban Meyer on Trevor Lawrence

In the past, Meyer has won championships as the head coach of the Florida Gators and Ohio State Buckeyes. As he makes his first foray into the National Football League, he knows well enough that you don’t sit your franchise quarterback.

When speaking on Lawrence’s progress earlier this summer, the Jaguars head coach used Tom Brady as a benchmark.

“What makes Tom Brady the greatest quarterback of all time is he finds ways to win,” Meyer said, per NFL.com. “Whether he’s a Buccaneer or with the New England Patriots, he finds a way to win. I’ve had quarterbacks like that – they win.

“I don’t know if we’re going to tell in a year. (Lawrence) throws a nice ball, that makes him one of about 60 to 70 quarterbacks. Does he win games?”

While Meyer’s a rookie head coach and Lawrence is a rookie quarterback, the duo is well equipped to adjust to the rigors of the NFL. While Brady’s ability to win may be unattainable to any quarterback to match, Lawrence’s 34-2 record as a starting quarterback at Clemson is a good start.

The Jaguars never had the first overall selection in the NFL Draft, and then fate dropped Lawrence into Jacksonville. While Meyer may say it’s an open competition, Lawrence’s career as the starting quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars starts Week 1.

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