The Jacksonville Jaguars revamped their roster and coaching staff in the offseason with the intention of fielding a competitive team in 2022. Two failed seasons in a row have set expectations for their performance this year relatively low, but with an immense amount of talent under contract and a capable staff at the controls, Jacksonville should be able to turn some heads, starting with their Week 1 matchup against the Commanders.
Their defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell spoke to reporters on Thursday about his unit’s progression over the course of training camp and the preseason. Though he certainly understands that the team is still a work in progress, he praised his players’ effort and described what he sees as the core factor of the defense’s success will be in the long-term; identity.
“In the early days, we talked about, when I first got here, I think I mentioned and talked about how hard they played on film, and that’s carried over,” Caldwell explained. “I think they’ve increased it. We talked about building your identity, and I think they’ve done that. You get here, you don’t have any expectations, and you go out there and we’re going to form our team. And I have some things that I expect different position groups to do, and they’re doing it. So that’s their identity, and we’re going to continue to build that.”
Caldwell seemed confident in the defense’s ability to maximize their talent as a cohesive unit. With an eye toward mitigating any single weak link, Caldwell enters the 2022 season in an enviable position. His defense has the benefit of veteran leadership at every position, and the youth necessary to stay competitive and improve over time as the team begins playing to their full potential.
Jacksonville’s defense has a chance to accomplish something special this year, and Caldwell isn’t taking that possibility lightly. Under his direction, the unit will look to shut down the Commanders’ offense and deliver Duval County a desperately needed Week 1 win.