Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a so-so performance against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, completing 14-of-23 passes for 113 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Lawrence did have a single 9-yard carry, and that play resulted in quite the scare for the Jaguars and their fans.

Lawrence tucked the ball and ran for it on third down, but instead of of sliding to safety, he took a hard hit and was lucky not to suffer a serious injury. While the rookie explained that he didn't slide because it was third down and he was worried about coming up short of the sticks, Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer would have preferred a slide.

Via PFT's Mike Florio:

Article Continues Below
More Jaguars News
One mystery player in the middle, Trevor Lawrence, Arik Armstead around him, Jacksonville Jaguars logo in the background
1 perfect Jacksonville Jaguars move to fill out roster before 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs a route during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [
Travis Hunter’s rookie contract makes unique NFL historyMalik Brown ·
image thumbnail
3 hottest Jacksonville Jaguars takes coming out of 2025 minicampBen Strauss ·
Jaguars' Travis Hunter to receive unique ability in Madden 26
Jaguars’ Travis Hunter to receive unique ability in Madden 26Massimo Marchiano ·
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, left, answers questions during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. with General Manager James Gladstone, right. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars GM makes bombshell Travis Hunter claimBen Strauss ·
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs a route during the second mandatory minicamp at Miller Electric Center Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
2 Jacksonville Jaguars in danger of getting cut after 2025 minicampCameron Zunkel ·

“I’d like to see that,” coach Urban Meyer said when asked whether he’d prefer that Lawrence would protect himself. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to him yet. I will. But I know what kind of competitor he is, and he was gonna get that first down. Obviously, you’d like to see him get down.”

Meyer obviously loves Lawrence's competitive mindset, but this was a preseason game. There's no reason to be dumb during a game that doesn't count. If this was a truly meaningful play and Jacksonville badly needed that first down, taking that gamble makes more sense. But in the preseason? Nah.

Lawrence will learn as he continues to get used to the NFL game. While the No. 1 overall pick hasn't been all that impressive yet, it's still extremely early and there's no reason to be worried about his performance.