Jaguars players ‘trusting each other’, other observations ahead of Week 8

Cornerback Shaquill Griffin‘s impact goes beyond the football field. His positive influence on his younger teammates is priceless. He has gone on to establish himself as one of the defensive leaders in the locker room even though he has been with the team for less than a year. That’s why it’s always worth listening to what he has to say.

Ahead of the Jaguars’ matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8, Griffin met with the local media. He says he sees quarterback Geno Smith as elite and noted the 2013 second-round pick must be doing something right in order to last more than eight years in the league.

Just to set the record straight, Smith is not elite but it’s a good thing that Griffin is preparing as if he were. Moreover, the cornerback isn’t taking him lightly. Underestimating your opponent is a good way to ensure you lose a competition.

Due to the absence of starting quarterback Russell Wilson, the Jaguars have a realistic shot at beating the Hawks at home. They are coming off their first win of the 2021 season. Meanwhile, Seattle has lost three straight and have won only one more game than the Jaguars.

Of course, the Seahawks aren’t devoid of talent. Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen will need to find a way to slow down the wide receiver duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Speaking of Metcalf, Griffin will probably cover him for most of the game, and he acknowledges it will be a tough challenge.

"I know DK as a person. It’s just gonna be a hard-fought battle. That’s it, we’re just competing. That’s one thing, being in the same system for a very long time. I’ve seen DK come in as a rookie, to where he is now… we’re going to make it tough."

This season, Metcalf has hauled in 33 receptions for 537 yards and six touchdowns. He will be one of many Seahawks players the Jaguars will need to slow down if they want to win their second straight game. Here are other takeaways from Griffin’s sitdown with the media Wednesday.