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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 23: Calais Campbell #93 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after forcing a fumble against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 23: Calais Campbell #93 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after forcing a fumble against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

2018 Review: The unit that was the main cog in the team’s playoff run one year earlier slipped a bit in certain aspects. While the Jaguars were still able to pressure the passer, the numbers dipped a bit. After rolling up an impressive 55 sacks in 2017, Jacksonville defenders managed just 37 quarterback traps. Conversely, Doug Marrone’s team wasn’t nearly as opportunistic in ’18 as the team saw its takeaway total drop from 33 in 2017 to just 17. Meanwhile, this unit continued to have its issues vs. the run, allowing 116.9 yards per game on the ground.

2019 Key Additions: General manager David Caldwell had to be surprised as the Jaguars were able to use the seventh overall pick four months ago on University of Kentucky edge performer Josh Allen – who didn’t figure to still be available. Speaking of the draft, 2019 third-rounder Quincy Williams appears to be the frontrunner to take over for Telvin Smith, who unexpectedly opted for retirement. Datone Jones adds depth to the defensive line.

Analysis: This defense obviously fell off in numerous categories a year ago after a big-play showing in 2017. But if the Jaguars are to really take the next step when it comes to this side of the ball, the team has to be much more efficient when it comes to handling the run. In a division that has a few teams that like to stress the ground attack, the Jaguars need to up this part of their game. All of those sacks mean little when the running back has the ball.

Next: No. 10

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