Jacksonville Jaguars: Defense quickly becoming an elite unit
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has been built through the draft and free agency in recent years, and it’s starting to pay big dividends.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense surprised many people by the way they handled the Houston Texans in Week 1. After losing at home in week two, the defense stopped the Baltimore Ravens in London. This is a really good unit and is performing at a high level.
The Jaguars leads the league in sacks with 13. They have allowed an average of under 260 yards per game. Most of all, Jacksonville’s pass defense is No. 1 in the league through three weeks while giving up an average of 124.3 yards per game.
Football Outsiders lists Jacksonville’s defense in the top five in three of their four categories. Again, they are the top passing defense in the analytical world. The New York Jets, this week’s opponent, should have their aerial attack grounded come Sunday.
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Jalen Ramsey is a phenomenal athlete. Each week, Ramsey has been listed on the team’s injury report. He misses or is limited in practice due to hip or ankle injuries. Despite those ailments, he is one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. Pro Football Focus Edge grades him at a top grade of 89.4.
Calais Campbell has recorded 4.5 quarterback sacks. He has 10 tackles and is performing statistically as top-10 defensive lineman. Campbell’s free agent signing is paying dividends for the Jaguars. Myles Jack and Telvin Smith are the anchors of the linebacking corps. General manager Dave Caldwell made great decisions in drafting Jack in 2016 and Smith in 2014. Jack leads the Jaguars in tackles with 24.
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Finally, this defense has quality depth. A.J. Bouye, another free agent signing, teams with Ramsey to blanket opposing receivers. They flirted with a shutout in London against Baltimore. Do not be surprised if Jacksonville has another huge day in Week 4 against the Jets. This defense is for real and is getting very, very good.