The Jacksonville Jaguars have had an impressive start to the 2026 season — so much so, they're being touted as Super Bowl contenders. And while the Jaguars have typically been ignored and underrated, the league has been forced to take notice, with several members of the team in particular being recognized.
In his midseason NFL awards rankings, ESPN's Bill Barnwell placed Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence third in the Most Valuable Player race, and head coach Liam Coen second among Coach of the Year candidates. Barnwell also selected Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter to his midseason first-team All-Pro roster.
Lawrence making his case for MVP
Lawrence trails only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in Barnwell's MVP rankings.
So far this season, Lawrence has thrown for 1,932 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. His 111.7 passer rating ranks among the league's best, while his average of 8.6 yards per attempt leads the NFL. But Barnwell's assessment goes beyond traditional passing statistics.
He highlighted Lawrence's improved decision-making, accuracy, and ability to operate within Coen's offensive system, noting that 94% of his throws have come through quick-game concepts or in rhythm.
In years past, the Lawrence experience was topsy-turvy. It has been so much smoother this season. After four multiturnover games a season ago and a fifth in the playoff loss to the Bills, Lawrence doesn't have a single one so far this season. The only passer creating explosive plays more often than Lawrence (20.6%) is Allen (21.1%). After averaging between 7.0 and 7.2 yards in each of the past four seasons, Lawrence leads all quarterbacks in averaging 8.6 yards per attempt so far this season. He has the lowest off-target rate (9.2%) of any quarterback in the league and leads the NFL in QBR (91.5) on throws from outside the pocket, having developed a trademark throw when he's flushed from the pocket to the left and consistently manages to find an open receiver for a big play.
Coen among the NFL's best
Lawrence isn't the only Jaguar benefiting from the team's impressive offensive performance. Coen ranks second in Barnwell's Coach of the Year selections, trailing only the San Francisco 49ers' Kyle Shanahan and finishing ahead of Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
"Coen has built a reliable run game despite injuries up front, which is why he's a spot ahead of Johnson, and he has also managed to reel in and get the most out of a quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, who was prone to putting the ball in danger too often," Barnwell wrote. "Persuading Coen to change his mind and leave the Buccaneers to join the Jaguars might be the best decision the franchise has made in a decade."
Considering how quickly the Jaguars have been successful under Coen, it's hard not to agree with him.
Travis Hunter earns All-Pro recognition
Another Jacksonville player was recognized by Barnwell. Travis Hunter was named one of three first-team All-Pro cornerbacks, alongside Cleveland's Denzel Ward and Seattle's Devon Witherspoon, reflecting his development as a defensive playmaker, even as he continues contributing on offense.
Hunter is also among the NFL's candidates for its midseason Breakout Player of the Year recognition, alongside Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten.
The Jaguars enter Week 10 riding consecutive dominant victories over Indianapolis and Baltimore, having outscored both opponents by a combined 75-17. The Jaguars will look to continue their win streak on Sunday when they travel to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. And if Lawrence, Coen, and the Jaguars can keep the success going, they could remain firmly in the conversation when the NFL's actual postseason awards are decided.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Trevor Lawrence, Liam Coen ranked top three in ESPN's midseason awards
