Only three targets. Think about that for a second. Through two games this NFL season, Jakobi Meyers has seen the ball thrown his way a measly three times. That’s the stark reality facing the Jaguars’ offense, and it’s a number that has their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, fired up to make a change heading into Week 3 against the New England Patriots.
Missing in Action, But Not Missing the Mark
You look at the box score, and yeah, three targets sounds almost invisible. Parker Washington leads the team with a whopping 18 targets, Brian Thomas Jr. is next with 10, Brenton Strange got five, and then both Bhayshul Tuten and Meyers are sitting there with just three apiece. But here’s the kicker, the part that should have everyone raising an eyebrow: Meyers has caught all three of those passes for a ridiculous 68 yards and already found the end zone with a touchdown. We’re talking about incredible efficiency here, a guy making the absolute most of every single touch. It makes you wonder what they’re leaving on the field, doesn’t it?
Lawrence Demands a Change
Trevor Lawrence isn’t just “wanting” to get Meyers involved more; he’s making it a priority. On Wednesday, he didn’t pull any punches, telling Action Sports Jax, “Definitely gotta give him more opportunities.” That’s not a suggestion; that’s a quarterback demanding a correction to the game plan. Lawrence went on to praise Meyers’ skill set, highlighting that “He can do a lot, he’s a really great route runner, gets open, understands things, he knows what we’re doing schematically, I trust him.” That last part, “I trust him,” is massive coming from your QB. It tells you everything you need to know about the confidence Lawrence has in Meyers. This isn’t just about padding stats; Lawrence believes that more Meyers is “definitely something that’s important for us as an offense.” He sees the bigger picture.
The Strategic Impact of Increased Targets
Getting Meyers the ball isn’t just about his personal stats, it’s about unlocking the entire Liam Coen offense. Meyers’ willingness to attack the crucial middle and intermediate parts of the field is a foundational piece for their scheme. When he’s making plays there, it doesn’t just produce yards; it draws defenders and rips open opportunities for other pass-catchers in the Jaguars’ offense. Think about the ripple effect! Plus, his reliability in the passing game, especially on key down-and-distances, is exactly what you need to extend drives and keep the chains moving. You don’t want to overlook that kind of consistent playmaking ability.
Now the spotlight turns to Week 3. The Jaguars are facing a very good New England secondary, a unit that won’t make anything easy. Will Lawrence’s vocal commitment translate into a real shift in the game plan? We’re all watching to see if Jacksonville makes that concerted effort to finally unleash Jakobi Meyers. They’ve got the talent, they’ve got the trust, now they just gotta get him the rock.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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