Trevor Lawrence isn’t backing down from the reigning AFC kings.
As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for their Monday night showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, Lawrence knows the challenge that awaits — but also the opportunity.
“They’ve been the top dog,” Lawrence said. “They’ve kind of run the conference, and this is an opportunity for us to show what kind of team we are.”
A home win under the lights against the three-time defending AFC champions could mark a defining moment in the Jaguars’ 2025 campaign — and Lawrence’s evolution as a franchise quarterback.
Lawrence has seen plenty of Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses over the years — and he knows just how difficult they are to crack.
“Yeah, he’s a great D-coordinator and play caller,” Lawrence said. “His defenses always give you this feeling of chaos. You never quite know what they’re going to bring because they’ve shown so many different looks.”
Spagnuolo’s system is known for its exotic pressures and disguised coverages, often forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. But Lawrence said the Chiefs’ defense separates itself with how sound it remains despite the unpredictability.
“A lot of times when teams do that, there are holes everywhere,” Lawrence explained. “But they do a good job of matching different route concepts and playing different coverages that give them flexibility. They’ve always done a great job.”
Despite the magnitude of the matchup — and the fact that he’ll be playing on his birthday — Lawrence insists he isn’t trying to do too much.
Head coach Liam Coen’s message to his quarterback has been clear: stay composed.
“You don’t have to be Superman,” Lawrence said. “But you have to play well. You’ve got to execute for a full 60 minutes.”
The Chiefs’ combination of Patrick Mahomes’ offensive brilliance and Spagnuolo’s defensive discipline means there’s no room for lapses.
“I do think of them as a team that has played a lot of good football,” Lawrence said. “You’ve got to be on your Ps and Qs if you want to beat them because they know how to win. You’ve got to play a full 60 minutes.”
For Lawrence and the Jaguars, Monday night isn’t just another game — it’s a measuring stick.
A win over the Chiefs would validate Jacksonville’s offseason changes, energize the fan base, and reassert Lawrence’s place among the AFC’s elite quarterbacks.
This is the kind of game that can redefine a season — and perhaps start to reshape the AFC’s balance of power.