The Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Minnesota Vikings, but there were several positives to build on. The biggest one is that the defense finally lived up to expectations. After moving on from defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell in the offseason, the Jags hired Ryan Nielsen to steer the ship in the right direction. However, his unit had trouble stopping opponents throughout most of the season until Week 10, when the defense put it all together.
Apart from preventing the Vikes from reaching the end zone, the Jags registered three turnovers, more than they had logged for the year prior to that game. If that wasn't enough, the defensive front routinely rattled quarterback Sam Darnold.
All in all, it was an encouraging performance. Although it didn't lead to a win, it showed that players haven't thrown in the towel. Moreover, it proved that Jacksonville has several game-changers, including but not limited to Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, and Tyson Campbell. On the other hand, other lesser-known players on both sides of the ball have also shined in recent weeks and shown they deserve more playing time.
With that in mind, here are three Jaguars who deserve a bigger role moving forward.
Jordan Jefferson, defensive tackle
A fourth-round selection in this year's draft, Jordan Jefferson was a healthy scratch the first five games but has quickly become a key rotational role in the defensive front. In fact, he's outplayed fellow defensive tackle and second-round pick Maason Smith.
Granted, Smith has been hurt and could eventually hurt the corner but Jefferson has been the better pick early on. Against the Minnesota Vikings, he did a superb job of defending the run, posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 61.2.
Rookie DT Jordan Jefferson had some pretty sweet moments in the run game against Minnesota. Gets good extension and sheds to help make the stop pic.twitter.com/Gk3KeDkcIK
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) November 11, 2024
Just two weeks ago, the former LSU Tiger also had a PFF mark of 81.7. Like any rookie, he will experience ups and downs, but getting more snaps will only help him get better.
Ventrell Miller, linebacker
For the sake of clarity, Ventrell Miller started four games earlier this year. And even with veteran Foyesade Oluokun back in the fold, he's seen the field often. Having said that, the former Florida Gator still lags behind 2022 first-round pick Devin Lloyd in playing time.
This is understandable that — apart from his draft status — Lloyd has played well as of late. Then again, Miller has been one of Jacksonville's most dynamic players this season. In particular, he's excelled in coverage. Against the Vikes, he posted an 80.7 Pro Football Focus grade.
Ventrell Miller in coverage pic.twitter.com/UZrJzdVNRR
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) November 10, 2024
Brenton Strange, tight end
The Jaguars' offense was underwhelming against Minnesota but it wasn't for a lack of effort. Players such as Brenton Strange made the most of his chances. Mac Jones went 14-of-22 for 115 yards. The sophomore tight end hauled in two of those passes and contributed with 25 yards.
Evan Engram remains TE1 on the depth chart, but it's time the Jaguars give Strange a bigger role. Early in the season, when Engram missed four games, the former Penn State Nittany Lion had 10 receptions for 120 yards with two touchdowns.
With Christian Kirk out for the season, there should be plenty of snaps for Strange.