Jaguars' Lawrence to start against Raiders despite illness; Hunter out with knee injury

Trevor Lawrence is expected to start for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, despite dealing with an illness.

Why it matters: Lawrence's presence is crucial for a Jaguars team looking to rebound from two consecutive losses before their bye week. His ability to perform under pressure will be essential as the team aims to improve its standing in a competitive AFC South division.

  • After missing seven games last season due to injuries, Lawrence has started every game this year and has thrown for 1,620 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
  • He has notably avoided turnovers in the last two games, showcasing improved decision-making that could be pivotal against a Raiders defense that has struggled at times this season.

What’s new: The Jaguars will also be without rookie two-way player Travis Hunter, who was placed on injured reserve after injuring his right knee in practice.

  • Hunter’s absence will likely impact the team's defensive schemes, as he has been a versatile asset both in coverage and pass-catching situations.
  • The Jaguars may need to adjust their game plan to compensate for his loss, particularly against a Raiders offense that can exploit weaknesses in coverage.

Yes, but: While Lawrence's health is a positive sign for the Jaguars, it raises questions about his performance against a Raiders defense that has shown vulnerabilities.

  • With a completion percentage of 58.7%, Lawrence has faced challenges in consistently moving the chains, which could be exacerbated by any lingering effects from his illness.
  • The Raiders are known for their aggressive pass rush, and how well the Jaguars’ offensive line protects Lawrence will be critical in determining the outcome of the game.

What to watch: Fans should keep an eye on how effectively Lawrence can distribute the ball under pressure and whether he can connect with key receivers to establish an early rhythm.

  • The Jaguars recent struggles offensively may hinge on whether Lawrence can exploit mismatches against a Raiders secondary that has given up big plays throughout the season.
  • Additionally, monitoring the effectiveness of the run game could provide insights into how the Jaguars plan to balance their offensive attack against a potentially aggressive Raiders front.

The bottom line: The matchup against the Raiders presents a crucial opportunity for Trevor Lawrence to assert himself as a franchise quarterback while leading the Jaguars back to winning ways.

  • A strong performance could not only solidify his position on the team but also reinvigorate the Jaguars’ playoff aspirations after a difficult stretch.
  • Conversely, another disappointing outing could raise questions about the team’s direction and affect morale heading into the latter part of the season.
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