Jacksonville Jaguars defense must play fast to beat Chiefs

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense hasn’t been stellar in Gus Bradley’s tenure as head coach but will have to step it up to hang with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid isn’t going to let the Jacksonville Jaguars defense dictate the game. He’ll plan around the fast-flying defensive players like Telvin Smith, Myles Jack, Jalen Ramsey, and Yannick Ngakoue as much as possible.

A talented offensive tactician, it’s no secret that Reid will try to exploit the Jags’ weaknesses on defense. Nick Foles at quarterback shouldn’t inhibit Reid from trying to stay innovative.

The Kansas City Star is already breaking down the Jags defense with possible exploitation, saying:

"The Jaguars also struggled on power running plays featuring pulling linemen and are susceptible on bounce outs and outside runs, as their ends and corners lost contain a number of times last week against Tennessee, which rushed for 214 yards in 43 carries (4.9 ypc). The Chiefs also have a read-option game that could be effective against the Jaguars."

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Frankly, that analysis is solid. The Jags have been susceptible to any of the more complex offensive approaches in 2016 and in past seasons under head coach Gus Bradley.

If the Jags want to keep things tight they’ll need to play fast. That will involve actually executing the defensive plan by getting pressure with the front four and allowing the linebackers to make plays.

That is easier said than done, though. The Jags haven’t been successful at mitigating other fast offenses in the past. The turmoil in the coaching ranks and the lack of buy-in that seems to be occurring in the locker room are also causes for concern. Asking this team to execute a game plan that hasn’t been working well is getting tougher and tougher each and every week. The Jags need to step it up, but is it feasible a this point?

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