Telvin Smith Has Become Heart and Soul of Jaguars Defense

When asked by local media whether the Jacksonville Jaguars had the best defense in the NFL Telvin Smith smiled.

The fifth-year linebacker is taking on more responsibility on the Jacksonville Jaguars defense, which means the vocal leader of this unit will be even more outspoken this season. While Telvin Smith welcomes the challenge of following in the footsteps of his mentor, Paul Posluszny, there is still plenty the former FSU star is learning himself.

"“A lot of guys talk about working 9-5. We work 5-9 around here,” Smith said during his interview."

There has been plenty of talk about the Jaguars and their success from last season. A 10-6 record. A division title. A trip to the playoffs and a berth in the AFC Championship Game.

All of that won’t matter this season if this franchise takes a step backward. Smith and his teammates will work hard in training camp to make sure that does not happen.

Smith’s teammates Malik Jackson predicted this team would go 16-0. He knows what the team is capable of and how there are expectations within TIAA Bank Field. He said he is more concerned about the first game of the season, and then move on to Week 2.

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"“It’s great to talk Super Bowl. It’s great to talk 16-0,” explained Smith. “But you can’t get to 16-0 without going 1-0.”"

Smith made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last season and was also named Second Team All-Pro. The Jaguars were well represented in Orlando. He hopes that is something to build on, not only for himself but for the rest of this team. While the expectations are higher this coming year, the former fifth-round draft pick in 2014 won’t be satisfied until the team gets the recognition it deserves.

"“I think we’re the best team in the league. I believe whole-heartedly that we are going to be the last team standing,” Smith said."

Many players in the league work to become the best at their position. Smith is already well on his way. His speed and ability have already made him one of the more talked about players from the outside linebacker spot.

He and Myles Jack are two of the fastest linebackers in the league and could be one of the better duos in the middle of the defense this season.