Lawrence: Jaguars building 'something special' under Pederson

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence praised Doug Pederson on Tuesday, saying the head coach's leadership has been a difference-maker for the franchise so far.

"We're building toward something special," Lawrence said, according to CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin. "It's been great, just the way (Doug) interacts with the team, the way he leads. I think personality-wise, we're similar. We get along well."

Lawrence added: "Obviously, he played quarterback, he's won a Super Bowl as a player and as a coach, so he knows how to get there. He knows how to do it. I think that's really important to have in a leader like that. And just the energy he's brought to the building has been awesome."

Pederson joined Jacksonville in February to replace Urban Meyer, who was fired partway through last season after a 2-11 start. The 54-year-old Pederson, who spent 2021 away from football, last coached the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-20, winning one Super Bowl with the team. He also lifted the Lombardi Trophy as a backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers during the 1996 season.

Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, struggled as a rookie, completing just 59.6% of his passes for 3,641 yards and 12 touchdowns against a league-high 17 interceptions. The Jaguars finished the season 3-14, the worst record in the NFL.

"I think (last year) really taught me how to stay the same every day, to be consistent," Lawrence said. "Just my attitude, my work ethic, no matter how things are going. I know what it's like to struggle as a rookie.

"Now in my second year, I have a good feel for the schedule (and) can really feel like I'm prepared."

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