Wait, are the Jacksonville Jaguars actually good? A 4th-ranked defense according to DVOA, and our NFL power rankings certainly think so. Very quietly, Doug Pederson's squad has been one of the NFL's best through 7 weeks.
Here's why the Jacksonville Jaguars can breakup the traditional Chiefs, Bills, Bengals triumvirate and upset the balance of power in a competitive AFC.
jaguars are Flying High
After four straight convincing wins, Trevor Lawrence and the Jags look like true contenders in the AFC. Despite suffering from a knee injury, Lawrence led the team to a comfortable win in New Orleans last week and has been in top form this season. The former Clemson Tiger has displayed outstanding poise in the pocket, and much sharper decision making. Thankfully, he's had a little help from his friends.
Running back Travis Etienne has become one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league. On Sunday, Etienne will try to become the first player since Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson with two or more rushing touchdowns in four straight games. His explosive playmaking ability, combined with awe-inspiring pass-catching skills, adds a new dimension to the Jaguars' offense.
Travis Etienne is playing at such a high level. Makes an unblocked defender miss in tight space with a mean spin move. pic.twitter.com/1ULaQHxArI
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 19, 2023
The Jags now have a significant lead in the AFC South. Together with the rest of the division starting unproven talent at quarterback, Shahid Khan's team is ready to go on a second-half run. As most teams fade down the stretch, the Jaguars get to battle the likes of Gardner Minshew and rookie quarterbacks Will Levis and C.J. Stroud for the division title. With Trevor Lawrence behind center, the sky is the limit for this squad.
Strong Defense Key to Sacksonville's Success
The last time the Jaguars were this good, Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell were tearing apart offensive lines. Leading fans to bestow the "Sacksonville" nickname on its defense. If only that team had Trevor Lawrence at quarterback.
Regardless, the Jaguars' 2023 unit may be even more athletic and versatile than those well-regarded squads. 2019 first-round pick Josh Allen is finally making good on his potential. Allen has shone with a sparkling 89.8 Pro Football Focus grade, 7 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on the year. The former Kentucky Wildcat ranks 7th in the NFL in total pressures, and 13th in pass-rush win rate. "Duval Allen" has been wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines all year, but he's not alone.
Some Josh Allen highlights from week 4....
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) October 3, 2023
(The edge rusher Josh Allen, the guy who's tied for first in the league in sacks with 6.0, not the QB) pic.twitter.com/rvVuNJwKud
Linebacker Foye Oluokun leads the team with 81 tackles this season and has put up two straight games with at least 14 tackles and 2 pass defenses. Oluokun scored the first touchdown of his career last week with a memorable pick-six and could be on his way to his first Pro Bowl. While corner Darious Williams has impressed in his 2nd season in a Jags uniform. Williams leads the team with 3 interceptions and has added 2 for fumbles and 11 passes defended on the year.
Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell runs an aggressive scheme in the mould of his mentor Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. Much like Bowles, Caldwell's not afraid to bring the heat. Jacksonville's 103 blitzes rank 3rd in the league and have led to 73 total pressures and a 10.9% hurry percentage, which all rank in the top-7 in the league. This young, hungry, athletic unit has generated an NFL high 16 turnovers so far. Any team that can generate that many turnovers is a threat to be playing deep into the playoffs. Consistency will be the key for these young Jags.
Betting the Jacksonville Jaguars as the AFC's top Seed
After facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9, the Jaguars have an incredibly favorable closing slate.
In fact, Jacksonville's remaining opponents sport just a 22-28 record. Doug Pederson's team is gifted winnable games against a Tennessee Titans squad reportedly starting rookie quarterback Will Levis, a young Texans team, and the Cleveland Browns who may still be without Deshaun Watson. Jacksonville then faces off against the hot-and-cold Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the winless Carolina Panthers and finish up against the Titans yet again.
With their current trajectory and the landscape of the AFC, these Jags aren't just contenders; they are the surprise frontrunners for the conference's top seed. The path to 13 wins and a bye is right in front of the Jags. Betting on Jacksonville to win the AFC is the play as Trevor Lawrence's team is currently +1100 to win the conference.
