Lawrence: Jaguars Proving They Can Contend Each Week

Despite being among one of the winningest teams over the past two seasons, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been focused on building on success rather than becoming complacent.

Last season, under first-year head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars' instant success was one of the biggest surprises around the NFL.

With 13 wins, Coen led Jacksonville to the franchise's first AFC South title in four seasons, while helping starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence take a big step in the right direction.

This season, Lawrence has carried over the momentum, ranking within the top-5 in MVP betting odds and ranking fourth in the NFL in passing touchdowns (14) despite coming off of a bye week.

On Wednesday, Lawrence talked about proving that his team can contend week-in and week-out.

"We have a ton of belief that we’re a really good team, and how good is that? I think we all want to find out. And the only way that happens is if you put the work in every day," Lawrence said.

This was put into practice by 56 Jaguars on Tuesday's optional lift, the most the team has ever had for a non-mandatory weights session under Coen

"Best football practice in a long time..." Coen said during the week. "The energy, the individual periods, the execution, the competitiveness. good sharp, clean practice."

The focus in practice sessions has been something praised since the offseason, as players have taken their coach's attack mindset into account.

For Lawrence, he had strong praise for the impact Coen has had on his abilities, saying that he has learned more from Coen and his staff over the past 18 months than at any point in his football career.

Line protection and various defensive cues were some of the specifics that Lawrence mentioned, saying that Coen has added "another layer" to his ability to diagnose coverages.

Taking this next step was a focus articulated by Coen throughout the offseason, as he frequently praised Lawrence for last year's growth, but always said that there is more improvements to be made.

"The cool thing about [Lawrence] is you can coach him hard," Coen said after camp in early-August.

The Jaguars continue to look like the cream of the crop in their division, and are making a strong case for the AFC's No. 1 seed.

With another interdivisional matchup this Sunday, against the reeling Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville has an opportunity to extend the lead in the South.

The Jaguars return home to EverBank Stadium to host the Colts at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.