Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence calls preseason opener 'a real game'

Per Michael DiRocco of ESPN, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback and first-overall draft selection Trevor Lawrence is technically still competing with Gardner Minshew for the starting job, and head coach Urban Meyer previously told reporters that he, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and passing game coordinator Brian Schottenheimer hadn't yet decided how much their first-year pro would play during August preseason games. 

Lawrence left little doubt on Thursday he plans to take more than a few snaps during Saturday's exhibition opener against the Cleveland Browns.

"It’s nice we’re playing at home in front of the home crowd, so we’re really excited," Lawrence explained, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "We’ve been working the past three or four weeks, but really even since the spring, just trying to get ready for these moments. And this will be good. A lot of people are going to play, but in our minds it’s a real game. We’re still trying to win the game. A lot of people look at preseason differently, but I think this is where it starts for the Jags this year, is game one [in the] preseason."

Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski is sitting quarterback Baker Mayfield and a handful of other starters this weekend to prevent injuries, but Lawrence hinted he's bringing what is currently his best to the field for his unofficial NFL debut.