Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence: Quarterbacks 'Have to Manage the Game'

The last several weeks have prompted several debates around the NFL as the quarterback position.

And perhaps no debate has dominated the conversation like the game manager vs. playmaker debate, especially in light of Brock Purdy helping lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl.

When asked this week on NFL Network for his thoughts on the debate, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback gave an interesting response.

"You have to manage the game. Every quarterback that has success has to do that," Lawrence said.

"You know, I look back on games where we've won and or I've played well, I typically, obviously you're going to flash and make some plays, you know, I think I have that ability to have that confidence in myself. But you have to manage the game in order to give yourself a chance to win, especially at the end of the game."

Like other former and current quarterbacks, Lawrence has heard the debate. Lawrence himself was even tabbed a game manager at times during the 2023 season due to a low total of touchdown passes during the Jaguars' 8-3 start.

But, as Lawrence said, being a game manager isn't exactly the negative buzzword that some people think it is.

"So I hear that debate all the time. And I think it's kind of crazy, because the best quarterbacks that have played or that currently play, they know how to manage the game and they know how to manage situations," Lawrence said.

"And that's something that I think I have gotten better at every year. I know I have. But I need to continue to get better. So in order to continue to win more and put ourselves in position to win a Super Bowl. I mean, that's the goal. That's why we play, that's what's on our minds down here in Jacksonville."

Managing the game and understanding the ins and outs of situational football were two of the biggest areas Lawrence needed to improve upon after his rookie season. And so far, it looks like he knows it is an area he will have to continue working on to find team and individual success.

"So being realistic about it, you got to keep getting better and you have to be able to manage the game, you know. I trust my ability but that only takes you so far," Lawrence said.

"You got to play smart, you got to make the right play at the right time. Especially at the end of the season when the margin is really thin."