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Trevor Lawrence shows off big arm, but struggles with turnovers in NFL debut loss to Texans

Trevor Lawrence's first NFL game wasn't exactly a resounding success.

The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback/most-hyped prospect in years found himself in a 14-0 hole in the first quarter against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

It didn't take long from there for his first NFL highlight in an up-and-mostly-down NFL debut that saw him throw three touchdowns and three interceptions in a 37-21 loss to the Texans.

Lawrence's first NFL TD

After his first two drives ended in a punt and missed field goal, Lawrence made good on his third try. He led an 11-play, 75-yard drive to get the Jags on the board with a touchdown. On second-and-7 from the Texans 22-yard line early in the second quarter, Lawrence dropped back from under center and looked left to find tight end Chris Manhertz inside the 10-yard line. He didn't hesitate to let it rip.

His dart found Manhertz near the goal line in a soft pocket of Texans defenders. Manhertz corralled the pass and tumbled into the end zone for the milestone score and what the Jaguars hope ends up being a piece of team history.

For Lawrence, though, it was the lone highlight in an otherwise rough first NFL half. He went into halftime with a pair of interceptions and a 27-7 Jaguars deficit against a Texans team expected to be among the worst in the NFL.

The deficit was far too much for the Jaguars and their rookie quarterback to overcome. Lawrence threw a third interception in the second half as Jacksonville failed to mount a rally. But there were some more Lawrence highlights for Jags fans to take solace in, including this 41-yard touchdown connection with DJ Chark.

His third touchdown of the day arrived on a four-yard connection to Marvin Jones with five seconds remaining and the game's outcome long decided. He finished completing 28 of 51 (54.9%) pass attempts for 332 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Better days are surely ahead.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 12: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 12: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato via Getty Images)