Trevor Lawrence and Daniel Jones have had almost identical careers to this point

Two widely-discussed young quarterbacks in the NFL are Daniel Jones and Trevor Lawrence. Jones, drafted sixth overall in 2019, has been closely scrutinized since his debut in New York -- the league's largest media market. Lawrence, the top overall selection in the 2021 draft, had been regarded as a star-in-waiting since high school -- and it was hoped he would lead the Jacksonville Jaguars into a golden era after a successful collegiate career at Clemson.

Perceptions of the two signal-callers have varied wildly in recent seasons. Lawrence guided the Jaguars to the divisional round of the AFC playoffs last season, and Jones led the Giants to the same stage in the NFC. Jones has been plagued by injuries since signing a $160 million contract extension earlier this year, sinking his stock among fans and analysts -- but through 48 career starts, his key statistics are eerily similar to Lawrence, who has often been marketed as the next face of the NFL.

Trevor's turnovers prompted the comparison

Social media was alight Tuesday with discussion over graphics comparing Lawrence and Jones (who is out for the season with a knee injury). Over their first 48 starts -- roughly equivalent to three full seasons -- the two quarterbacks are separated by only one win, and they have thrown the same number of touchdowns.

Jones has received flak throughout his career for being turnover-prone, but Lawrence -- a quarterback of a higher pedigree and a better reputation -- is arguably just as detrimental to his offense in Jacksonville. Lawrence lost two fumbles in Sunday night's home loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and he has nearly as many turnovers (16) as he has touchdown passes (18) this season.

Jacksonville was expected to take a definitive step forward in 2023 but is locked in a three-way tie atop the AFC South in what has become a heated race for the playoffs. Jones' Giants have been winning without him, but their 5-9 record is a bitter disappointment for a team that expected to return to the postseason.

Will Lawrence play in week 16?

Lawrence entered the concussion protocol after Sunday's 23-7 defeat to the Ravens, and his status for the Christmas Eve clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is in question.

The Jaguars would likely start C.J. Beathard if Lawrence can't make the trip to Raymond James Stadium in what might be a decisive weekend in the AFC playoff race. The division rival Houston Texans are expected to recover C.J. Stroud from a concussion ahead of their home game against the Cleveland Browns, while the Indianapolis Colts are optimistic that star running back Jonathan Taylor can return to action against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.