Texans coach Lovie Smith defines area where Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has improved

Even though Lovie Smith has a 3-0 record against Trevor Lawrence since joining the Houston Texans in 2021, the coach nevertheless believes the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback has demonstrated a large enough sample size to be defined as a “good football player.”

The Texans beat the Jaguars in Week 5 to send Jacksonville to 2-2. The Jaguars faded to 3-7 going into their Week 11 bye, but have won four of their last five to improve their record to 7-8 and have a realistic shot at wresting control of the AFC South from the similarly 7-8 Tennessee Titans.

Smith knows where Lawrence has stepped up his game since their last meeting on Oct. 9.

“He’s probably protected the football a little bit better,” Smith said.

The former 2021 No. 1 overall pick from Clemson has thrown just one interception since Week 9 and lost four fumbles. Compare that to Lawrence’s 14 touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns, and it is safe to conclude the young signal caller is far more beneficial than detrimental to his team.

“He’s mobile” said Smith. “He’s mobile right now. He’ll take off with the ball and get a first down when things break down. He can make all of the throws. He could last time we played. He’s a competitor, all of those things you see.”

The supporting cast for Lawrence has also improved. Running back Travis Etienne has 1,000 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Evan Engram has 68 passes for 732 yards and four touchdowns. Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk has 76 catches for 988 yards and seven touchdowns.

Houston takes on the Jaguars Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time for Week 17 at NRG Stadium. The Texans have not lost to the Jaguars since 2017, which was also the last time Jacksonville won the AFC South.