The Houston Texans’ surprising success in 2023, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, has shifted the balance of power in the AFC South, putting pressure on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to perform in the upcoming season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2023 season with high expectations but ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, finishing with a 9-8 record. Injuries, including several to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, hampered the team’s progress in the latter half of the season. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, under new head coach DeMeco Ryans, exceeded all expectations, securing the AFC South title and establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. C.J. Stroud’s exceptional rookie season solidified the Texans’ quarterback position after the departure of Deshaun Watson.
Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Stroud, Jaguars, Texans
Analyst Craig Carton boldly declared on The Carton Show that the Texans are now the team to beat in the AFC South, with Stroud surpassing Lawrence as the division’s top quarterback. This statement has added fuel to the fire, intensifying the rivalry between the two teams and placing immense pressure on Lawrence to prove himself. Carton’s assertion that this is a “prove-it year” for Lawrence underscores the urgency for the Jaguars quarterback to elevate his game.
The Texans’ rapid ascent highlights the dynamic nature of the NFL. Just a season prior, the Jaguars were considered the team on the rise, led by the promising Lawrence. Stroud’s record-breaking rookie season, however, has dramatically altered the landscape of the AFC South. His MVP-caliber performance has set a high bar for Lawrence, who has yet to reach such heights in his professional career.
Entering his fourth season, Lawrence faces the challenge of not only leading the Jaguars back to the playoffs but also reclaiming his status as the division’s premier quarterback. The Jaguars demonstrated their faith in Lawrence by signing him to a lucrative five-year, $275 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. This substantial investment further amplifies the pressure on Lawrence to deliver a stellar performance and justify his hefty contract. The Jaguars’ success hinges on his ability to rise to the occasion and lead the team to a championship.
The upcoming season promises a compelling battle for AFC South supremacy, with the Texans and Jaguars vying for dominance. The pressure is on Trevor Lawrence to respond to the challenge posed by C.J. Stroud and the Texans. The Jaguars’ significant financial commitment to Lawrence underscores the high stakes for both the player and the franchise. Will Lawrence live up to the expectations and lead the Jaguars to victory, or will the Texans continue their reign atop the division? The answers will unfold as the 2024 NFL season gets underway.
