Lawrence will be just fine

Clemson is in the midst of their most dominant offensive start to a football season in program history. But even after a red-hot start to the 2019 season, head coach Dabo Swinney believes that there are still areas to improve.

CLEMSON — Clemson is in the midst of their most dominant offensive start to a football season in program history.

But even after a red-hot start to the 2019 season, head coach Dabo Swinney believes that there are still areas to improve.

“We are just way ahead. After three games, we have more yards and are averaging more points than at any time in the history of Clemson football," Swinney said. "And we haven't really played great. There is so much out there. There is no question — in all phases we are further along. Now, the question is will this team improve like that team? 

"That team stayed focused and got better and better and they never got distracted and were hungry and had a relentless will to win. We will see. But after three games, it's not even close. I like the discipline and the consistency that we have.”

One area where the Tigers will look to improve is turnovers. Through three games, the Tigers rank 44th in turnover margin — having lost one fumble and, maybe most concerning, quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown five interceptions.

But, at least according to Swinney, only three of the interceptions are a result of Lawrence making a bad throw or a bad decision.

"They're not all on him, first of all," Swinney said. "We've had two on the wideouts. Trevor did his job and the wideout didn't. He has had a couple of bad plays, too. Just don't try to do too much. He's incredibly confident and very smart. Stay within the system. He'll be fine."

"Staying within the system" is difficult at times, especially when you have an arm like Lawrence has.

It is an arm that has made so many throws that he sometimes feels that he can make throws that an average quarterback may not attempt. 

“I think the one (interception) on the sideline, Tee (Higgins) didn’t win his matchup and didn’t separate as much as he would’ve liked him to that caused the ball to have a chance to get tipped," co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. "Then the second one to the field, Trevor just made a poor decision and should’ve thrown the ball outside to (Diondre) Overton. 

"He tried to fit that ball in that small window. Sometimes when you have an arm like Trevor has, he’s been used to getting away with a lot of those throws, and you have to get back out there and kind of go through it and learn from it.”

Lawrence's struggles have not been lost on the national media. 

In fact, Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Senior Bowl and an ESPN NFL Draft analyst, is very impressed with the Clemson quarterback’s tools. However, he thinks the crazy hype for the sophomore is a bit overboard at this point.

"The anointing of Trevor Lawrence was so premature and, honestly, unfair to him," Nagy wrote on Twitter. "All the talk of him sitting out next year to avoid injury is utter nonsense. He certainly has all the tools, but as talented as he is, this kid needs plenty of development. He is pressing right now."

The coaching staff is doing their best to block out the outside noise for the sophomore, but, naturally, when you are the face of college football that can be easier said than done.

“I think it’s natural anytime you put yourself in a position being a quarterback, being a talented guy, high-profile guy, you’re going to …. good Lord willing, if he stays healthy he’s going to play for a long time," Scott said. "He’s going to be analyzed and critiqued for a long time. I think the biggest thing for him and for us is to realize that anything that’s being said outside really doesn’t mean anything. It’s really all about keeping things in sight and working to improve in the meeting room and learning and really knowing the truth of what’s going on and not getting caught up.”

Even with the high number of interceptions through the first three games and the increased scrutiny on Lawrence, Swinney believes that Lawrence will benefit from the adversity he has faced.

"I'm so proud of him. He has been amazing," Swinney said. "He has asserted himself as one of the top leaders of this team. He has great energy. He knows when to turn it up and turn it down. I'm super proud of him. He has a great head on his shoulders. He is a breath of fresh air and a joy to be around everyday. He handles mistakes well. He's got great mental toughness. I'm glad he has had some adversity. I think that's good for him. I assure you, he will respond."