Tag: Arik Armstead

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

There is no rest for the weary as the Jacksonville Jaguars return home from their trip to London to take on Green Bay. Momentum is on their side following one of their best victories in over a year against the New England Patriots, 32-16. 

Jacksonville looks to build upon last week’s impressive offensive showing. Seven games into the regular season, the Jaguars may have found their identity on both sides of the ball and they will be put to the test against a well-rounded Packers team that has won five games while losing only two by a combined seven points

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at this week’s key matchups for the Jaguars against the Packers in Jacksonville below.

Jaguars defense vs. Packers QB Jordan Love

The Jaguars’ defense is still an issue, especially in pass coverage and their lack of diversity outside of Cover 1 and Cover 2 defenses. However, it seems the unit found its calling card in getting pressure on the quarterback.

Edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been excellent, with both finding a way to the quarterback consistently. That could pose an issue for the Packers, who rank 26th in time to throw at a 2.68-second average. 

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s passer rating has dipped when pressured at 61.8 compared to his 114.3 passer rating when he isn’t. His EPA total (+38.4) and yard per attempt (9.3) take a nose-dive when blitzed to a -36.4 EPA and just under five yards per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats.

It is paramount that Jacksonville has success attacking the quarterback. The Jaguars’ rush flashed against a horrible Patriots offensive line and could find similar success this week in front of their home crowd.

It helps that Arik Armstead has begun to see more snaps at defensive tackle, which was noticeable a week ago with some of the interior pressure.

Should the Jaguars blitz at their highest rate since their blowout loss on Monday Night Football against Buffalo (31.4%), it will be crucial in a potential victory.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Packers defense

It’s been hard not to notice Trevor Lawrence’s improved play in the last three weeks. His 17-game average from those three games would have the former No. 1 overall selection shattering his single-season passing yards and touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

A reason for his improved play leads back to an increase in play-action used by offensive coordinator Press Taylor and a new-found rushing attack led by second-year running back Tank Bigsby. Lawrence is finding answers against pressure, playing with better anticipation, and showcasing more composure and poise in the pocket. 

Play-action is one of the Achilles heels for the Packers’ defense. Per Next Gen Stats, their 50 percent success rate against this passing concept is the eighth-worst in the NFL.

This is a positive sign for Jacksonville’s passing game although it may run into an issue throwing against two quality safeties in Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams. Each ranks in the top five in coverage success rate among safeties. McKinney has been a ball-hawk with a league-leading five interceptions on the season. 

It won’t be easy attacking this secondary but the Jaguars have shown they are not afraid to test defenses in the vertical thirds and post. 

Packers rushing attack vs. Jaguars run defense

This might be the game’s best matchup. Jacksonville’s run defense has shown improvement and is currently ranked sixth in football with 102.6 rushing yards allowed per game. Now, the Jaguars face one of their toughest challenges in slowing down Packers running back Josh Jacobs, one of the league leaders in rushing yards and yards after contact.

Walker and Hines-Allen will be key in setting the edge and have been sound in this area; the Jaguars have allowed the fifth-fewest yards outside the tackles and rank sixth in EPA allowed per rushing attempt. Armstead will be a factor against Jacobs, who is one of the best at making first and second-level defenders miss in space. 

Tackling in space will be important in that regard and the Jaguars are fifth in the NFL in rushing yards after contact allowed per attempt. They have defenders who can make stops and bring the ball carrier down at first contact. Yet, this will be their toughest test against one of the league’s best rushers.

If Jacksonville were to slow down Jacobs and tackle in space consistently against him, the path to victory would be much easier to navigate. 

Doug Pederson: Jaguars DL Arik Armstead getting his ‘game legs’

Pederson: Jaguars DL Arik Armstead getting his ‘game legs’

The prize of Jacksonville’s offseason free agency class, defensive lineman Arik Armstead put together his best game in a Jaguars uniform on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

While the box score suggests a decent game from the veteran lineman — two tackles with one for loss — he played a crucial part in Jacksonville’s pass rush success against New England and its rookie quarterback, Drake Maye.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson suggested Armstead’s showing stemmed from his improved comfort level seven games into his Jacksonville tenure, as he entered the campaign recovering from offseason knee surgery on an injury he experienced with the San Francisco 49ers last year. As a result, he did not appear in the preseason this past August.

“I think he’s getting his, kind of his game legs,” Pederson said Monday.

Armstead posted a season-high three quarterback pressures, including one hit, with a 12% pressure rate over 25 pass rush snaps, according to NFL Pro. He also recorded two run stops, as both of his tackles resulted in a negative rushing play for the Patriots.

Armstead, who primarily played defensive tackle for the 49ers but has transitioned mainly to the edge with the Jaguars, notably played along the interior defensive line more against the Patriots than in previous games this season.

Per John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, Armstead had a season-high 20 snaps at defensive tackle and a year-low nine snaps at defensive end against New England. NFL Pro credits Armstead with an 8.3% season-long pressure rate at tackle compared to five percent on the edge.

“I think he’s obviously he’s a really good interior D-lineman – that’s where he’s made the bulk of his success is coming from inside as a three-technique, especially in nickel pass-down situations, and he showed that yesterday. He did a nice job on the guard,” Pederson noted. “He had one of the higher-pressure rates yesterday. So, he’s doing a good job.

“We keep working with him outside too. It’s a little bit of a new position for him on the outside, particularly in first and second-down situations. But he’s a veteran player that we count on, and we rely on.

Armstead is relied upon by Jacksonville not only for his improving production but also for experience and leadership qualities, per Pederson.

“He’s been great too for [defensive ends] Josh [Hines-Allen] and Travon [Walker] and [rookie defensive end] Myles Cole,” Pederson said. “Some of the younger players as well, teaching them just what it takes to be a pro.”

Analysis: Jaguars trade Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seahawks

Could veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead contribute more following Roy Robertson-Harris’ departure?

Following Jacksonville’s fifth loss in six games, the Jaguars shipped defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, allowing a fresh start to both parties. 

After a productive first four seasons in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Robertson-Harris signed a free-agent deal with Jacksonville in March 2021 and earned a three-year contract extension from the club in 2023. He played in black and teal for over three seasons and saw varying levels of success with the Jaguars.

According to Pro Football Focus, Robertson-Harris posted ten sacks, 18 quarterback hits, 81 hurries, 77 tackles and 64 run stops across 1,944 snaps in his first three seasons with Jacksonville. Robertson-Harris graded out best as a Jaguar in 2022, his second season with the team, with a 63.9 defensive score out of 100. 

In the first six games of 2024, Robertson-Harris recorded four tackles, two sacks, two quarterback hits and seven pressures over 210 snaps, 140 of which came against the pass, per PFF. 

Robertson-Harris’ impact along the interior has largely declined, which led to his rotational role in Jacksonville’s lackluster defense under first-year coordinator Ryan Nielsen. 

The Jaguars rank No. 31 in the NFL in touchdowns allowed (21), only to be outdone by Carolina, which has allowed 24 touchdowns in six games.

Jacksonville’s defensive issues stem in part from its inconsistent pass rush, which has helped cause the Jaguars to rank dead last in passing touchdowns allowed in the NFL with 14 through six games. Their 14 sacks are tied with four other teams for 12th-fewest in the league. 

With Robertson-Harris gone and interior snaps to fill, the Jaguars could deploy 30-year-old lineman Arik Armstead, who has struggled in his move to defensive end, back to the position he played and thrived at with the San Francisco 49ers, tackle.

162 of Armstead’s 198 defensive snaps have come at defensive end this year. 

While the Jaguars’ coaching staff was adamant about moving Armstead around the front this past offseason, the veteran has yet to produce to the tune of his three-year, $43.5 million price tag. 

So far this season, Armstead’s play has been rather unnoticeable. He recorded one sack against Miami in Week 1, but has logged just seven tackles in his five games since, with none in the backfield.

While Armstead could be dealing with lingering effects from his 2023 meniscus injury, which prevented him from playing in the preseason, and aging in general, his drop-off in production as a defensive end compared to when he primarily played defensive tackle is clear.

Upon signing with Jacksonville in March, Armstead said he was “very confident” in his body to hold up, explaining to reporters that he could continue to play at a high level for the foreseeable future. 

“Injuries are a part of sports and I have my plan together in place to make sure I’m putting my body and myself in the best position to be out there for my team. I’m going to do that, and I think it’s going to go very well,” Armstead said at the time.

“I plan to have a long career; I think I got a good five or six more years in me. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

Yet, six games into his new contract, Armstead has recorded a 57.7 grade, the second-worst season by PFF’s metric of his ten-year NFL career. 

Given his inefficiency on the edge, the Jaguars should explore moving Armstead back inside to help the prized free-agent addition contribute to the defense, which gave up 226 passing yards and four touchdowns to rookie Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams in Week 6. 

But if Armstead isn’t the answer at defensive tackle, the Jaguars will need their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Maason Smith, to emerge as one. 

Smith recorded one of Jacksonville’s three sacks against Chicago on Sunday, the first of his career. He has had a relatively quiet rookie season otherwise, however, with five total tackles. He has averaged just over 27 snaps per game over his five appearances.

Jacksonville could also turn to second-year defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo, who started the last two games and accumulated two tackles, two quarterback hits and half a sack against the Colts and Bears. 

Ahead of another London matchup this week, against the Patriots, there is no better time than now to shake things up as the Jaguars continue to search for answers on defense. 

While Robertson-Harris was once a steady contributor to the unit, the Jaguars ultimately viewed him as expendable. They have options to replace him at defensive tackle, but it remains to be seen if the team will deploy them and if the players are up to the task.

X-Factor: Jaguars pass rush faces ailing Browns OL

X-Factor: Jaguars pass rush faces ailing Browns OL

The Jaguars’ pass rush should be licking its chops ahead of its Sunday matchup, hoping to replicate Dallas’ six-sack performance in Week 1 against an ailing Cleveland offensive line.  

The Browns on Friday ruled out left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. for a second consecutive game, while right tackle Jack Conklin is considered questionable for Sunday’s contest.

Additionally, Cleveland left guard Joel Bitonio was listed as limited during the week. 

With the Browns’ offensive line banged up, the Jaguars are in prime position to unleash their pass rush behind edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. 

Jacksonville’s pass rush could be crucial in helping out its backend, as the secondary is down two key defensive backs due to injury, safety Darnell Savage Jr. and cornerback Tyson Campbell. 

Walker hopes to replicate the success that found him in the backfield against the Dolphins when he twice brought down Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, generating 67% of Jacksonville’s Week 1 sacks. 

Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen felt the edge duo showed flashes of their potential in Week 1 but wants each player to continue on an upward trajectory when facing the Browns. 

“Those guys did a good job on the edge, they really did,” Nielsen said Thursday. “Travon getting off of blocks. I mean, there were times Josh, his awareness in terms of the blocks and his block reaction, things like that.”

“There’s some disruption; there’s some things that you didn’t see on the stat line that he did during the game in the run game and the pass-rush game that showed up on the tape on the toss plays in the backfield, taking two guys where Tyson [Campbell] can make a tackle.”

In addition to the homegrown edge tandem, Nielsen acknowledged the addition of free-agent defensive tackle Arik Armstead in the middle of the defense. The former 49er got home in his first game as a Jaguar, bringing down Tagovailoa for a loss of five. 

Nielsen says the fit was evident for Armstead, who moved around the front depending on personnel and down and distance, a tactic the Jaguars will continue to employ. 

“We knew exactly where we were going to do when he got here: play some ends, play some tackle,” Nelsen said. “And then how we rotated it was personnel packages, things like that. So, it wasn’t a big [deal], and you’ll see the continuation of that, moving him around, things like that for the rest of the year.”

Nielsen’s unit generally performed well in Week 1, yet the Dolphins’ big play threat proved detrimental, changing the tide of the game once Miami receiver Tyreek Hill went for an 80-yard touchdown one play after Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne Jr. fumbled in the red zone in the third quarter. 

In Jacksonville’s second contest of the season, head coach Doug Pederson wants to see improvement from the defense in giving up explosive plays against the Browns offense, which only posted 169 passing yards on 45 attempts against the Cowboys.

“To me, it just came down to those three plays,” Pederson said Monday. “It was like 182 yards on three pass plays. The first third-and-eight screen went for 39, I think, then the 63 and the 80. So those are the plays we have to eliminate, and I think it’s a different outcome.” 

As Pederson looks ahead from the Jaguars’ dramatic Week 1 loss, he is not concerned with the laundry list of Browns’ offensive linemen named on the injury report. He said his team’s strategy remains the same: trust the game plan and execute.

Jacksonville’s pass rush fared well in that respect a week ago. It is crucial the unit does so again to beat Cleveland.

“You’ve got to still go out and play whoever’s out there for them, whoever’s out there for us. I mean, they’re not going to change, we’re not going to change,” Pederson said Friday. 

“I just think you have to go execute and play and study the man that you’re going up against and study his tendencies. I think that’s the most important thing.”

All-22 review: Jaguars vs. Dolphins

All-22 review: Jaguars vs. Dolphins

The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to a rough start to their 2024 campaign following an embarrassing defeat on the road against the Miami Dolphins, 20-17.

At one point, the Jaguars held leads of 14-0 in the first half and 17-7 in the second, leaving many to wonder what happened after such a great start to the game.

Jaguars Wire broke down the matchup’s All-22 film to digest Sunday’s events with better context, sharing its biggest takeaways below.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen impressed in his first game with the Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen talks to the media ahead of the second day of an NFL football training camp practice session Thursday, July 25, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

One of the key matchups Sunday was Ryan Nielsen’s Jacksonville defense versus arguably the most explosive offense in football. One key concern was capping the big plays Miami has been known to produce throughout the last two seasons. 

Despite Dolphins receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle producing crucial explosive plays late in the contest, Nielsen otherwise called in a great game. Jaguars defenders on all three levels of the field flew around the field but rarely appeared out of place outside of a couple of occasions.

One of the most impressive things from this unit is that it rarely got caught in Miami’s barrage of shifts and motions, staying disciplined and on task while forcing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa off his spot and forcing throws.

Jacksonville’s linebackers were stout in their run fits. According to Next Gen Stats, the run defense held Miami to just 69 yards of offense on 23 touches and negative 44 rushing yards over expected, the lowest since Week 9 of 2021. 

Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun played terrific in coverage and against the run. He made an excellent play in the second quarter on fourth & short by shadowing double slants on the front side and nearly secured the interception.

Other defensive players such as safety Darnell Savage Jr. and defensive lineman Arik Armstead had quality performances.

Before leaving the game with an injury, star cornerback Tyson Campbell played with sound technique in press-man and zone shells. Rookie Jarrian Jones had a couple of one-on-ones with Hill and held his own.

Edge rusher Travon Walker’s season is off to a great start. He piled up two sacks in Week 1 with elite explosiveness, power at the point of contact, an impressive bull rush, and the rare athleticism he has been known for since he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2022.

Jacksonville’s first-half offense displayed a glimpse into the future…

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Trevor Lawrence #16 and Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Sunday offered a peak into what the 2024 Jaguars offense could become under whoever is calling plays in Jacksonville, head coach Doug Pederson or offensive coordinator Press Taylor. There were more under-center, vertical passing concepts that opened up the offense to an extent. The operation seemed steadier and smoother.

Franchise signal-caller Trevor Lawrence had a quality first half, making a terrific throw seemingly every series. He had a couple of middle-of-the-field darts for big completions, including the beautiful bucket drop to rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to go up 14-0 in the second quarter.

Lawrence did a great job using his eyes to manipulate second and third-level defenders while maintaining his progressions.

The Jaguars have the potential to field a consistently explosive offense. Second-string running back Tank Bigsby broke off a couple of nice runs. Thomas also looks as advertised as a deep threat, showing vertical separation almost consistently with subtle movements to create space and opportunities for Lawrence to make accurate, on-time throws.

Jacksonville could have continued to mash its foot on the gas and attack Miami’s secondary with vertical play-action attacks from under-center and route concepts to put its players in positions to succeed. As the score later showed, it didn’t.

…but the second-half offense offered a not-so-good blast from the past

Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson looks on from the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

As soon as the Jaguars’ offense took the field in the second half, there was an easy tell to the momentum swing that began to occur. What went from an explosive and dynamic first 30 minutes to a stale and conservative final 30. 

Pederson or Taylor let their foot off the gas almost entirely, especially after running back Travis Etienne Jr. fumbled in the red zone. 

The offense reversed back to what led to its demise late in the 2023 season. There were very few concepts that allowed Lawrence to attack the middle of the field and several play-action rollouts that only allowed for the short area of the gridiron to be attacked. 

Thomas received no targets in the second half, a head-scratching reality considering his earlier production paired with Jacksonville’s late offensive stalls. The Jaguars offensive line largely held its own throughout the game, allowing Lawrence to navigate the pocket and reset his base when needed.

The lack of aggression from the offense was staggering and it allowed Miami to take the field for just enough plays, including the 80-yard touchdown by Hill, to stage a successful comeback.

There was also too much faith placed in the Jaguars’ rushing offense and defensive performance to secure the victory. This kind of approach has far too often put coaches at a disadvantage against explosive teams such as the Dolphins or Kansas City Chiefs.

Jacksonville will host the Cleveland Browns in the Jaguars‘ home opener this weekend. They have the offense and personnel to be an aggressive, explosive offense. If the Jaguars learn to keep mashing the gas pedal when up 10 or more points, this could be a potent team throughout the season. 

Pederson: Arik Armstead ‘shouldn’t be limited’ in Jaguars vs. Dolphins

Pederson: Arik Armstead ‘shouldn’t be limited’ in Jaguars vs. Dolphins

Ahead of Jacksonville’s matchup with Miami on Sunday, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson noted that defensive newcomer Arik Armstead is all systems go despite the long-term recovery from surgery on a meniscus injury that he suffered in the second half of last season.

Pederson anticipates Armstead will play Sunday with no limitations or snap count, allowing the 30-year-old to showcase what he means to the new-look Jaguars defense. While listed as the starting defensive tackle on the depth chart, Armstead is expected to play all over the defensive front.

“With Arik, we’ll see how the week goes with practice and how he feels,” Pederson said Wednesday. “He shouldn’t be limited in any way.”

Leaving the 49ers after nine seasons, Armstead landed in Jacksonville on a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in March.

The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Armstead spent much of the offseason sidelined after his knee surgery in February, which he underwent after missing five regular season games and playing in the postseason, but was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Aug. 13.

Starting in 21 games over the last two seasons, Armstead is out to prove he has gas left in the tank in new Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s scheme. Over that span, Armstead accumulated 38 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks and 17 quarterback hits for the Niners.

A veteran presence, the Jaguars’ coaching staff isn’t concerned with how Armstead will fit in the defense despite his time on the sideline over the last few months.

Bringing in veterans with playoff backgrounds was a priority for the Jaguars in free agency, and they hoped that the additional experience paired with talented young players could take them to the top of the AFC South.

“I think … all of our free agents that we brought, one, they’ve added the value and the competition that we were looking for at their positions, and also some leadership. Veteran players that have played a lot of football, they’ve been on winning teams,” Pederson said Monday.

“Obviously, Arik, he’s been to a couple Super Bowls, and he knows how that is and [cornerback Ronald] Darby the same way. I look at [center] Mitch [Morse] and [wide receiver] Gabe [Davis] and all the guys too, offensively, that have been to the top in the AFC. It’s just their leadership, I think, and the value that they bring there, not only with their skill set and what they can provide offensively and defensively.”

Lining up against a high-powered offense in Miami, the Jaguars should have their hands full with Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, resulting in a Week 1 litmus test.

Three takeaways following Jaguars roster cuts

Three takeaways following Jaguars roster cuts

The Jacksonville Jaguars completed their initial roster cutdowns a few hours before the NFL’s 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday. 

While the bottom of the group is expected to change over the next 24 hours, the moves to get the team from 90 to 53 players have given people a better idea of what the 2024 roster could become. 

Below are three initial takeaways from the Jaguars’ roster cuts.

Edge rush depth is lacking

Jul 24, 2024; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) participates in training camp at Miller Electric Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars made a surprise move Monday by trading offseason acquisition Trevis Gipson to Seattle, leaving the pass rush rotation in an underwhelming state of affairs.

Following the releases of D.J. Coleman and Joe Graziano, the team now has just three true edge rushers: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and Myles Cole.

Free-agent signee Arik Armstead is listed as one of four defensive ends on the roster. He will likely see playing time as both a 3-technique and 5-technique to allow defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to rotate what is expected to be a fairly deep defensive tackle group.

This also helps Walker and Hines-Allen by reducing their respective payloads. Yet, having Cole as the team’s lone depth rusher presents concerns.

It is possible that general manager Trent Baalke is not done with how he addresses the bottom of the Jaguars’ roster, especially the lack of depth at edge rusher. Look for him to scour the waiver wire or free agency to address the room, even if it is just one player.

Wide receiver could be a strength after all

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his reception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
With training camp in the rearview mirror and roster cuts completed, the Jaguars may have a steady group of wide receivers after all.

The team kept six wideouts, including Tim Jones and Devin Duvernay, who will occupy significant roles on special teams as a core-four player and return specialist, respectively. 

They also provide depth to a room that might pose a question mark or two heading into Week 1 versus Miami, Duvernay specifically, who has 94 career receptions.

Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. are expected to be the three starting wideouts of the group. Davis has had an impressive summer while Thomas continued to stress defenses on vertical planes as he did in college, especially on slot fades, where he dominated with LSU. 

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor will look to find ways to generate explosive plays with this trio, paired with tight end Evan Engram. This flashed with some of the Jaguars starters on the field Friday night in Atlanta and could be a sign that Thomas could have a fairly productive rookie campaign, in particular.

Yes, the Jaguars would benefit greatly from having a superstar playmaker for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But at this juncture, it looks like the team is confident in the playmakers on the roster.

Ryan Nielsen’s defense could be fun to watch in 2024

Aug. 4, 2024: Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during Day 10 of Jacksonville’s 2024 training camp. [Credit: Zach Goodall – Jaguars Wire/USA TODAY SMG]
Despite concerns about the team’s edge rush depth, the Jaguars’ defense could make for an exciting group if everything comes together.

Nielsen, who joined Jacksonville from Atlanta in February, is expected to implement an aggressive man coverage base 4-3 system.

This should allow cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby to play to their strengths while helping the rest of the defense become more opportunistic with takeaways.

During his lone season with the Falcons, Nielsen’s defense forced 18 fumbles, the second-most in the league.

The Jaguars have a group of players on all three levels that can create disruption and takeaways. Campbell, linebacker Devin Lloyd and ball-hawking safety Andre Cisco should come to mind when it comes to this area of expertise.

Nielsen also has a defensive line capable of generating pressure consistently and could force opposing QBs into bad decisions. 

This may not be the elite defense that carried the Jaguars to the AFC Championship in 2016 but it is a unit that could be formidable in a division featuring bright and promising signal-callers.

There may be some lingering questions with the depth at edge rusher and a young cornerback room behind Campbell and Darby. Even so, the Jaguars could be competing for the AFC South crown once again should Nielsen’s defense meet expectations. 

Nine Jaguars ruled out of preseason finale vs. Falcons

Nine Jaguars ruled out of preseason finale vs. Falcons

Nine Jaguars were ruled out of Jacksonville’s Friday preseason finale at Atlanta, just before kickoff.

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee), linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (undisclosed), cornerback Christian Braswell (undisclosed), safeties Andrew Wingard (knee), Daniel Thomas (foot) and Tashaun Gipson Sr. (undisclosed), and running back Keilan Robinson (toe) were deemed inactive on Friday.

Additionally, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson ruled out starting slot receiver Christian Kirk (calf) and reserve quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) earlier in the week, citing precaution in sidelining Kirk for a second consecutive preseason game.

“Christian will miss again. Still [his] calf,” Pederson said Monday. “Feeling good, but I’m just going to hold him out this week.”

Perhaps most notably, Armstead, the prize of Jacksonville’s offseason free agency class, will not make his long-awaited Jaguars debut despite practicing with the team for the first time this week.

Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the Jaguars in March following February surgery on a knee injury suffered with San Francisco last season. He opened Jacksonville’s training camp on the physically unable to perform list but was activated on Aug. 13.

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Pederson: Savage to play in Jaguars vs. Falcons; Armstead to practice

Pederson: Savage to play in Jaguars vs. Falcons; Armstead to practice

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson offered promising injury updates on marquee Jaguars’ free agent additions, defensive lineman Arik Armstead and safety Darnell Savage Jr. Monday.

Armstead is set to practice with the Jaguars for the first time this week while Savage will make his playing debut when Jacksonville faces Atlanta for Week 3 of the preseason.

“We’re going to see how [Armstead] is in practice. I can’t speak on the game just yet but we’re going to work some individual stuff and progress slowly with him,” Pederson said.

“And then Savage, his red [non-contact] jersey came off so he’s officially cleared to go. So, he’ll play this week.”

Armstead, who signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville after his release by San Francisco in March, has yet to participate in team activities in recovery from February surgery on a knee injury he suffered with the 49ers in 2023.

He missed the final five games of the regular season due to the injury but returned for the 49ers’ run to Super Bowl LVIII, where San Francisco lost to Kansas City. He recorded 11 tackles and a sack in three playoff appearances, increasing his postseason career totals to 38 tackles and eight sacks in 12 games.

Arik Armstead: Jaguars ‘have all the pieces’ to win a Super Bowl

In nine regular seasons with the 49ers, Armstead recorded 302 tackles with 43 for loss, 33.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six defended passes.

Armstead began Jacksonville’s training camp on the team’s physically unable-to-perform list but was activated Tuesday. Upon clearance to play, he is expected to start at defensive tackle along the Jaguars’ defensive line.

Savage, meanwhile, is listed as Jacksonville’s starting free safety but has primarily practiced as a nickel cornerback in his first offseason with the Jaguars.

He has regularly participated in training camp and other activities, but without contact as he continues to nurse a rotator cuff injury suffered with Green Bay last year.

Savage produced 302 tackles with nine for loss, nine interceptions, 32 defended passes and two forced fumbles in five seasons with the Packers, adding 25 tackles with one for loss, one interception and two defended passes in seven playoff games.

Arik Armstead: Jaguars ‘have all the pieces’ to win a Super Bowl

Arik Armstead: Jaguars ‘have all the pieces’ to win a Super Bowl

Although he was activated from Jacksonville’s physically unable to perform list Tuesday, new Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was kept out of the club’s joint practice with Tampa Bay Wednesday.

Armstead isn’t rushing his return to action following February surgery on a torn meniscus, which he suffered during his 2023 and final season with the 49ers.

He has yet to practice since signing a three-year, $43.5 million with the Jaguars in March, aside from participating in a walkthrough Wednesday morning before the joint session officially began.

“I’m just going with the process that they have for me. And I’m feeling great,” Armstead told reporters about his status Wednesday, asked if he wants to play in one or both of Jacksonville’s upcoming preseason games, this Saturday and next Friday.

“I’m getting better and better each day. I’m going to continue with the plan and get myself ready in a position to be out there to help my team win. So that’s what I’m doing currently.”

While he has been unable to strap up the pads with his new team, Armstead’s influence has already been felt in Jacksonville.

Jaguars coaches including defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and head coach Doug Pederson have commended Armstead for the veteran presence he has brought to the team, likening him to an unofficial coach as he has mentored younger players during his absence from the field.

“Awesome guy. Football guy. He’s a really good person, really into it. Helps the players a lot,” Nielsen described Armstead Wednesday.

“10-year career, a lot of success, a couple of Super Bowls that he’s gone to. You get that whole experience. It’s invaluable. Looking forward to getting him back, getting him through some walkthroughs and things like that, but he’s been all locked in. Couldn’t say enough good things about him, really.”

In nine seasons with the 49ers, Armstead recorded 302 tackles with 43 for loss, 33.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and six defended passes. He added 38 tackles with six for loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble in 12 playoff games, including appearances in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII.

Paired with his disruptive nature along the defensive line, the Jaguars believe Armstead’s vast pro experience and the advice he provides to fellow players could prove monumental for the entire squad.

Armstead has stressed throughout his first offseason in Jacksonville that his new teammates “take ownership” of their goals, both individually and as one unit, and constantly strive to accomplish them considering the “short window” of an average NFL career.

For the Jaguars, the team-wide objective is reaching and winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history. Accomplishing that feat in the next three years while he is under contract would result in Armstead winning his first championship, after coming up short twice with the 49ers previously.

Armstead is convinced Jacksonville’s goal is attainable.

“We have a talented group. I wouldn’t have come here, signed here if I didn’t feel like I was coming to a team that has a real opportunity to win a Super Bowl,” Armstead expressed.

“I think we have all the pieces to get it done, and I’m excited to get out there and be a part of that journey and that process of getting there.”