Jaguars must match Seahawks physicality in Week 8, other takeaways

The Seahawks’ offense could spell trouble for the Jaguars’ defense.

The Seahawks’ offense currently ranks 21st in points allowed and 26th in total yards. They’ve surely missed Rusell Wilson, who suffered a thumb injury against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Geno Smith will be making his third start of the year but that doesn’t mean the Jaguars should be taking victory laps just yet.

Cornerback Shaquill Griffin isn’t taking Smith lightly and neither is defensive coordinator Joe Cullen, who described the veteran quarterback as “very talented”. He also complimented his arm strength and his ability to “launch the ball down the field”. Cullen added that he has a couple of great wide receivers at his disposal, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Speaking of Metcalf, Cullen said the Jaguars’ defense will have to be physical.

"He launches, everybody. I tell you, you just got to match the physicality. You have to. You can’t let someone just all day just beat up on you. You get to match the physicality and get help at times, but you get to match the physicality. That’s what you have to do."

Metcalf is one of several Seahawks that could spell trouble for the Jags. If they can manage to slow him down, a daunting task for sure, their odds of winning the game will increase.

Later in the sitdown, the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator said the defense must limit explosive plays and force more takeaways. He added that the rush and coverage go hand in hand, and need to work on the little things.

Jacksonville’s defense is dead last in takeaways. They have logged two interceptions but haven’t forced a fumble in 2021. It wouldn’t hurt if they created a few against the Seahawks. On the other hand, the unit has shown in the past it can manufacture key stops, including their fourth-and-1 stand close to the end of regulation against the Dolphins.