Jacksonville Jaguars Off To Encouraging Start in 2022

The Jaguars have low-key built a stout defense

Several free agents were brought in this year that already have made an impact. Foyesade Oluokun, defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, and defensive end Arden Key have made their presence felt early by strengthening the front seven in both the run game and the pass rush.

Oluokun led the league in tackles last year and looks to make a big impact this year as well. He also provides a veteran presence at the critical inside linebacker position. Fatukasi has been a force on the defensive front plugging up running lanes and fulfilling the role the coaching staff imagined for him. Key’s pass rush skills were on full display during the preseason, and he earned his first sack of the regular season last week.

The front office’s decision to invest heavily in the defensive side of the ball during this year’s draft may have caught some people off guard, but so far the selections seem to be paying off. Travon Walker had a big Week 1 debut getting himself a sack and an interception. Devin Lloyd is also off to a hot start with his career in Duval as he got his first pick last week and was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie. The run defense in particular needed the reinforcements, and so far looks to be a much-improved unit.

When a team loses as many games as the Jaguars have the last few years, every offseason move was bound to be questioned. Some moves were a bit more puzzling than others, but after two weeks into the 2022 season, there is plenty of reason to believe the team is headed in the right direction.