patheur

Jaguars seem ready for eagles’ dangerous weapon

Sakege November 3, 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars have many issues that have plagued the team this season.

While they have struggled on both sides of the ball at different times this season, the defense has cost the team several games in recent weeks and nearly cost the team one of its two wins on the season.

The defense has legitimate reasons for its recent misfortune, but the group of professional athletes is still expected to improve its game.

In numerous critical statistical categories, Jacksonville’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league as the unit suffered injuries early in the season. Injuries and poor overall performance have followed the Jaguars defense all season.

Four of the Jaguars’ six losses were by five points or less, but their defense has allowed 27 points or more in four of the last five games.

After a close loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, the Jaguars will face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road this Sunday. Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen knows the weapons the Eagles have on offense can give defenses fits, especially a struggling defense like Jacksonville’s.

“They have very good talent, very good talent,” Nielsen said. “He is playing at a high level since he returned. Physical receiver, very physical, catch point, strong hands. He’s really good at press coverage and getting off the line, and he has great speed. So, it will be a good challenge.

“We just have to play our game. We have to go in and make it a physical game for him. We have to cover a little bit on top, so he doesn’t just catch fade balls and things like that that people do.

The Jaguars have one of the worst defenses in the league. The unit will be tested against a talented Eagles offense that includes quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receivers DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown. Nielsen knows the defense must be prepared to handle the dynamic duo of receivers.

“But two really good receivers,” Nielsen said. “And then the speed that DeVonta has, he can dominate any coverage. So just running, we’re going to have to play some shell on it. I definitely have to be above those guys and then mix it up. Just keep mixing coverages on him so he doesn’t get one high read and go X or Z on every play.”

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