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Can Davon House lead Jacksonville Jaguars secondary in 2016?

By Luke Sims

Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Davon House (31) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Davon House (31) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House has been absolutely solid in his career and should be the foundation for the Jags secondary in 2016.

One of the oddest decisions in the 2015 season was the decision to bench Davon House after he was dominated by one of the best receivers in the NFL, DeAndre Hopkins, the game before. Hopkins had 10 receptions, 148 yards, and two touchdowns in that game.

The next week, Dwayne Gratz was exploited repeatedly before House was inserted back on the outside after serving at nickel during the game. The Jags had no business not having House out there to defend against the best pass catchers the Buffalo Bills could muster. One bad game is not indicative of what House can accomplish.

Davon House, more than arguably any other Jags secondary player, is solid. He’s consistent and can be relied upon. After just one season with the Jags (his first full time starting role in his career) he came up with four interceptions, 23 passes defensed, and one fumble forced and recovered. That’s production on defense.

Now, with a rebuilt secondary featuring 2016 first rounder Jalen Ramsey, former first rounder Prince Amukamara, and stud free safety Tashaun Gipson, it may seem easy to overlook House. He shouldn’t be though.

Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (right) in the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (right) in the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

In Pro Football Focus’ recent 2016 season preview of the Jaguars they rank the secondary 22nd in the NFL. Citing statistics for the unit, one stands out, “House has been similarly solid, allowing just a 51.0 percent completion percentage on throws into his coverage over the course of his career.” That isn’t Darrelle Revis type stuff, but it’s definitely solid, consistent cornerback play.

That 51 percent completion percentage over five seasons is exactly what the Jags were looking for when they signed House in 2015. Combined with a penchant for making plays (House led the Jags last season in turnovers), House has become the standard to be met by his peers. Ramsey and Amukamara have to measure up to House in 2016.

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House is the foundation for the secondary going forward. Hopefully the Jags’ new additions can play to his level and contribute as play makers as well. Moving forward into 2016, House will be the measuring stick on which to base success in the secondary.

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