Broncos’ Joseph sees Trevor Lawrence as ‘equal’ to Jordan Love

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s players ultimately passed the test posed by Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers last week. Two second-half interceptions and two red-zone stops by the NFL’s top red-zone defense helped turn a 23-14 third-quarter deficit into the Broncos’ 11th-consecutive win.

And considering that the pair of picks matched the number thrown by Love over the previous eight games, it was a notable — and perhaps unexpected — accomplishment against a quarterback whose form had put him into some MVP chatter.

But any notion of a respite after last Sunday’s challenge quickly evaporates once one watches the film and evaluates the recent production of Jacksonville Jaguars starter Trevor Lawrence, because after four-plus seasons and as many twists and curves as the Million Dollar Highway, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is not only playing the best football of his career — but at an elite level.

In the last five weeks, Lawrence ranks first in the league in success rate and fourth in EPA — expected points added — per play.

And as Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph sees it, Lawrence is “equal” to Love.

 

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“They’re both super talented. They’re both really well-coached. That’s what I instantly see with both offenses,” Joseph said as he compared Lawrence and the Jags with Love and the Packers.

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“They’re both very well-coached. He’s playing well. I mean, he’s so talented as far as he can make every single throw. He has speed to outrun free [pass rushers]. He can avoid free runners with — giving ground to gain ground. He’s putting them in the right place.

“So, he’s playing at a high level.”

And last week in Jacksonville’s 48-20 romp over the New York Jets, Lawrence became just the second quarterback this season to account for six total touchdowns in a single game — five through the air and one on the ground. Buffalo’s Josh Allen is the only other passer to accomplish that feat, with three passing touchdowns and three rushing scores against Tampa Bay on Nov. 16.

“What they did last week was super impressive,” Broncos defensive end Zach Allen said. “Anytime you can kind of put up that many points and yards in this league is huge. So, it’s definitely going to be a challenge.

“Obviously, we saw what [Jaguars head coach] Liam [Coen] did with the Bucs last year. … But Trevor’s playing at an MVP-type level, and they’re deep across the front and at the skill positions.”

Added Joseph: “The last four weeks, [Lawrence] has been really hot, so it’s going to be a challenge for us again. We like it. We love the challenges, and we’re ready for it.”

Concurred edge rusher Nik Bonitto: “I want the best all the time. I mean, playing the backups is nice and stuff, but I want the best. I want their best game plan and everything.”

With a Jaguars offense that has averaged 32 points per game since trading for Jakobi Meyers and Lawrence reaching his career apex, Bonitto and the Broncos are about to get it.