Welcome to the last installment of Taking the Division, a feature on the weekly What’s Next.  Last week we took a look at how the Colts will finally fall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, two weeks ago we looked at how the Tennessee Titans will also fall beneath the power of the Jags.  This week, we’ll be looking at how Matt Schaub and co over in Houston will valiantly try to overthrow the Jags in their battle red uniforms, but will ultimately fail.

Follow the jump to find out how the Jacksonville Jaguars take the division!

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Source: lesterslegends.com

The Jaguars are a young, ascending team with only the sky as the limit. Their youth is made obvious by the fact that nearly 3/4^th of the team is at or under the age of 25. The start of the season will bring another large group of young players in to further “youth”anize the team. Let’s see who might be abreakout player next year.

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Source: zimbio.com

• 1. Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton are already a disruptive force against the pass. According to Pro Football Focus, there were 37 DT’s/NT’s who took more than 50% of their teams’ defensive snaps (given that a 4-3 has 2 interior starters and a 3-4 has 1, this roughly equates to all of the starters at the position). Alualu and Knighton each had 4 sacks, which ties them for 8th amongst the starters. They also had 4 QB hits a piece, tied for 13th. Alualu had 18 pressures, good for 14th, and Knighton had 16 pressures, good for 16th. Long story short – of the league’s starting DT/NT’s, both of our guys are in the top half in all of the pass rush measurables. After seeing what Alualu is capable of by effort alone, I’m very optimistic that refining his technique and being more accustomed to the pro game, he will be dominant next year. Check out this sack against Denver and this sack against Cleveland – PURE HEART. A formidable push from the middle is a key component to the overall pass rush. For one, the DT’s have a shorter distance to the quarterback; if they beat their man, they’re already right there to get the sack, swat, or at least make the quarterback soil themselves and make a hurried pass. Also, by occupying multiple blockers, the DE’s are freed up with one-on-one matchups and a blitzing linebacker may be left free. Adding D’Anthony Smith to the mix should add more pressure and keep Tyson and Terrance (TnT) fresher. With Kampman back in the lineup and our young DE’s improving, as well, the overall pass rush should improve.

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