Jaguars Defy NFL Trends: Run Defense Shines

The National Football League is experiencing a significant trend towards nickel defensive packages, featuring hybrid slot cornerbacks adept at both pass coverage and run support. This innovation aims to counter offenses that have increasingly targeted the middle of the field and utilize lighter defensive boxes.

Teams like the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks have successfully employed these versatile defensive backs. Defensive coordinators often see the nickel cornerback as a crucial third linebacker, capable of defending the run from lighter alignments and playing closer to the ball on every snap.

However, the Jacksonville Jaguars have forged a different path to defensive success. Despite ranking ninth in the league in sub-package rate, they led the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game and were second in yards per carry. This was achieved through a combination of physical safeties, agile linebackers Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun, and strong edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.

While the Jaguars utilized nickel defenses extensively, their success in run defense did not solely rely on the emerging trend of hybrid nickelbacks. The impending free agency of key linebackers Lloyd and Wingard presents a challenge for the Jaguars to maintain their elite run-stopping capabilities in the upcoming seasons.