Jaguars Defense Ready for Challenge Against Kansas City

Although the Jacksonville Jaguars defense is once again ranked as one of the best in the NFL, there noticeable differences from a year ago. That does not mean the team has lost a step or isn’t as dominant. What it does mean is the unit is not off to the fast start it was this time last year.

Through Week 4 of the NFL schedule in 2017, the Jaguars had 18 sacks and five interceptions. This year, Jacksonville has sacked the opposing quarterback 10 times and has only one interception to its credit.

The Jaguars are ranked as the top defense overall in the NFL.

Telvin Smith, who is one of the team captains, spoke to the media on Wednesday and focused on the fact this is a tough task for the team’s defense, but one the players in the locker room relish because it’s another chance to make a statement against one of the best teams in the NFL.

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"“We play a really good team this week,” Smith said when he was asked about the game on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium."

The linebacker isn’t the only one excited about this opportunity, one that already has playoff implications. Kansas City is undefeated, boasts a solid offense and weapons at running back (Kareem Hunt), wide receiver and tight end (Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins) and in the return game (Tyreek Hill). With so many chances to score, Smith and his teammates must be aware of everyone on the field at all times.

"“They have a lot of weapons,” defensive tackle Malik Jackson added. “With all the weapons they have, it should be fun. They’re a high-powered offense with a lot of weapons.”"

This matchup also gives defensive coordinator Todd Wash another chance to show why he is one of the best in the league at game planning for a speedy team with weapons everywhere.

"Per the team’s game released issued by the Jaguars public relations staff, “Jacksonville is 6-5 all-time against the Chiefs and is seeking their first win in Kansas City since Nov. 8, 2009 (24-21). A win on Sunday would mark the first time the Jaguars have started 2-0 on the road since 2007, when they defeated the Chiefs in Week 5. That was also the last time the Jaguars began a season 4-1. The Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the AFC.”"

There is plenty to play for in this game where a win more than likely catapults the Jaguars to the top of the AFC conference. A loss shuffles then in contention with other teams fighting for a playoff berth.

The offense is centered around second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Head coach Doug Marrone praised the Chiefs signal caller for his play so far this season.

"“Right now, he is playing better than any quarterback has ever played,” Marrone said. “He is an MVP quarterback. The question is what he can’t do. I don’t know. I don’t think words can really put in perspective how great he is playing. That is really all there is to it.”"

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Marrone also told the media on Wednesday this is a defense that has a lot of work to do in a short amount of time to prepare for this important game.

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