Josh Allen: The Jaguars MVP in 2020
By David Levin
Will the work Josh Allen puts in this season help the Jacksonville Jaguars to the point he is named the team’s MVP in 2020?
How much better will Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive end Josh Allen be in his second year in the NFL?
After a rookie campaign where he registered 10.5 sacks and showed a propensity for being the backfield and around the football, the coaching staff needs more of that, and then some. To say Allen will be one of the most scrutinized players on the Jaguars roster isn’t just a feeling, it’s a fact.
Josh Allen, who “fell” to the Jaguars with the seventh pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was everything the front office hoped he would be. Now, with a change in personnel on the roster and a potential change in some of the defensive approach this season, Allen will be called on to do more in different sub-packages.
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He did well playing in limited action last season, so to think he won’t adapt and adjust this coming season might seem a bit foolish of opposing offenses.
Dan Hanzus of NFL.com chose Allen to be the team’s MVP this coming season and for good measure.
"“The Jaguars’ defense regressed badly in 2019, but that wasn’t on Josh Allen. The team’s first-round pick last year, Allen thrived in a supporting role, tallying a franchise rookie record 10.5 sacks to go with 44 tackles and 39 pressures, the second-highest total among all rookies,” Hanzus writes."
The loss of Calais Campbell, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens this offseason will hurt because there will be more of a bullseye on Allen’s chest. But his size and speed and pure strength should aid him, even more, this year.
Allen, like the other Jacksonville Jaguars on the roster, is waiting to finally get to camp where they can take the defensive installation from coordinator Todd Wash and use what they have taken in virtually and apply it basic practice on the field adjacent to TIAA Bank Field.
"“He did that in 634 snaps, including just four starts. Allen is continuing to develop other aspects of his game, and it’s safe to say Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash will find ways to keep his talented 22-year-old on the field. The fate of Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville’s talented but highly disgruntled pass rusher, could play a role in how much of a Year 2 leap we see from Allen,” Hanzus adds."
The Jacksonville Jaguars front office did their homework this offseason, adding rookie linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson to the team and brought in help for the interior defensive line and linebacker/pass rusher. The speed of the team has changed. The athleticism appears to be better on paper at least.
The Jaguars should build their defense around Allen, who should be the team’s cornerstone player for years to come.