Jaguars coach reveals how to save defenses

The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled to play free football for most of the season. During the first half of the season, Jacksonville’s defense performed well while the offense struggled. The opposite has been the case over the last four weeks, as the Jaguars’ defense has been the team’s weak link as of late.

Through the first eight games of the season, the Jaguars’ defense ranks third worst in the National Football League. They have allowed the second-most touchdowns in the league and rank fifth in rushing touchdowns.

Jacksonville’s defense has the fifth-worst red zone percentage and sixth-worst fourth-down conversion percentage in the league.

The Jaguars defense has the eighth-worst turnover percentage and second-worst total yards in the league. Opposing quarterbacks completed 70 percent of their passes against a Jaguars defense that ranks fifth worst in the league. They have the second-most interceptions and fourth-worst goals-against percentage in the league.

Opposing offenses score on almost half of their drives against the Jaguars’ defense. The unit overcame its fifth-most first downs in penalties. They are the fifth most penalized defense and have been penalized for the ninth most yards of any team this season.

Jacksonville’s defense has allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the league this season. They have the second-fewest defensive turnovers this season and have been forced an embarrassing four turnovers this season.

By almost every measure, the Jaguars defense has not performed well over the last few weeks and desperately needs to improve. Head coach Doug Pederson knows the team needs to improve, but he also knows he won’t be the one to help the team improve.

Pederson feels more comfortable on the offensive side of the ball and plans to let the defensive coaches figure things out.

“NO. Look, I’ll leave it to the experts.” Pederson said. “I’m an offensive guy. I’m going to stick with attacking. I intend to help wherever I can. This way I can help with staffing issues and making various decisions, but when it comes to the plan and so on, it means that they are paid for it and let them do their job.

The Jaguars need help, whether it’s from Pederson, another coach or just a change in what they’re doing. Jacksonville is seeing improvement offensively, but improved defense will be crucial to the team’s chances of success in the second half of the season.

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