Is the defensive scheme really a problem for Jaguars?

Is the defense scheme run by the Jacksonville Jaguars still an issue for this organization?

There has been plenty of criticism in the past and continues to be questions about the defensive scheme run by Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash. For the past seven tears, Wash has been part of this team’s coaching staff, having come over with Gus Bradley from Seatle.

The defense is the same scheme primarily run by Seattle and their head coach Pete Carroll In addition to the Carroll influence, Wash coached under Monte Kiffin with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wash employs a 4-3 defense with four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties. He tends to use a zone defense in the secondary although he has employed some man to man coverage as well.

On paper, the Jaguars defense looks great, finishing sixth in the NFL in 2016, second overall in 2017, and fifth in 2018. In spite of these rankings, he has been under considerable criticism for how he used players on the field and how the defense has lapsed at different times during games.

I must confess that I was a charter member of the “Fire Todd Wash” group, but that is slowly changing. He has been under fire from fans, social media, and sportswriters. A common issue is a perception that he is stubborn and unable to make game-time adjustments.

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"As Zach Goodall wrote last year for lockedonjaguars.com, “The Jaguars coverage scheme has been incredibly poor and bland……They run a heavy mix of Cover 3 and off-man coverage with sprinkles of prevent defense.”"

The story went on to state that the group of secondary players were far more suited for man-to-man defense.  Even with the questions, Wash made it clear at the beginning of the 2019 season that the defensive philosophy would remain the same.

"Per a story on GenJag.com, “Media members, opponents, and even players on the Jaguars roster have noted that if a team knows how to attack that style of defense, it’s like taking candy from a baby.”"

The story did point out that rookie first-round pick Josh Allen’s selection by the team could mean the standard system Wash implements would have a wrinkle or two. We have all seen how good the former Kentucky star has played so far this season.

If we fast forward to the 2019 roster, the talent level is no longer the same as in prior years. At times, starting weakside linebacker has been a rookie (Quincy Williams) and backups are prior nonstarters.  Cornerbacks, A.J. Bouye and D.J. Hayden proven veterans, while Tre Herndon is an undrafted second-year player.  Hayden has played in the nickel while Herndon replaced Jalen Ramsey in the lineup.

Safety Ronnie Harrison started the last month of last season while Jarrod Wilson is another undrafted free agent. Cody Davis, who was signed last offseason, is primarily a special teams player but has seen more time on the field.  The defensive line remains strong.

While Wash no longer has the talent-rich team of past years, he has probably done his best coaching job. The loss of Ramsey, Telvin Smith, and Malik Jackson has been huge. His philosophy is well suited for this young group and I have watched him make game-time adjustments this season. Perhaps his reputation for being stubborn will continue to disappear.

The defense appears to be more aggressive at times. The Jaguars have played nine games and held their opponents to under 20 points in five of them. The defense is ranked 11th in the NFL in points per game according to NFL.com with 21 per contest. By contrast, the offense is ranked 23rd in the NFL in points scored with 19.6 points per game.