3 things we want to see from the Jaguars' defense after the bye

Although the Jacksonville Jaguars finished 13-4 last year, several analysts thought that their success wasn't sustainable and expected them to regress in 2026. Six games into the season, the Jags have managed to prove their doubters wrong, racking up four wins and losing a couple of close games. On the other hand, they've also shot themselves in the foot countless times along the way.

The good news is that Jacksonville is heading into the BYE, so you can bet head coach Liam Coen will make an effort to fix all the issues that are plaguing the team. The defense, in particular, has struggled at times this season, so defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will be tasked with finding ways to get better production from this unit.

With this in mind, here are three things we'd like to see from the Jacksonville defense after the BYE.

3 things we weant to see from the Jaguars' defense after the bye

1. See the Jaguars rookies get more playing time (Albert Regis, Jalen Huskey)

Tight end Nate Boerkircher has carved out a niche on offense as a blocker and just showcased his underrated pass-catching skills in the loss to the Houston Texans. On the other hand, offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon was a Week 1 starter and has flashed enough potential — despite the highs and lows that come with making the leap to the pros — to make you think that he can be a staple of the offensive trenches.

Last but not least, wide receiver Josh Cameron has made the most of his chances and should see an uptick in playing time after the BYE. However, the Jags aren't getting much production from their defensive rookies. Defensive tackle Albert Regis missed two games and has barely logged any playing time, while safety Jalen Huskey has failed to earn a role even though Jacksonville is dealing with injuries at safety.

You know Huskey has a long way to go when Kaevon Merriweather, who started the season on the practice squad, has gotten ahead of him on the depth chart.

Now, the Jaguars' defense isn't outright bad, but the Jags need their rookies to make an even bigger impact.

You may also like: 5 biggest Jags' winners & 4 losers at the BYE

2. Jaguars' pass rush tandem of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker need to play better

The Jaguars do a good job of creating pressure at the line of scrimmage but have trouble causing disruption. And that's the thing, you can pressure the quarterback, but he can still complete his throws unless you either sack him or force him to make a big mistake, such an interception and such.

This is why pressures are a tricky stat. So are sacks, but the difference is that sacks generally have a bigger impact. They end plays and stall momentum. When it comes to sacks, the pass-rush duo of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen has a combined 3.5 six weeks into the season. That's simply not enough.

You have probably heard that the Jags should trade for a No. 3 pass rusher, but the truth is that, as former B&T alumnus Jeff Tice said in an informal conversation, what they really need is for their highly paid pass rushers who are already on the roster to play better. Hopefully, they will after the break.

3. A healthy Jaguars cornerback group slowing down opposing defenses

Cornerback was supposed to be a strength this season. Travis Hunter was expected to get a bigger role on defense due to expiring contracts, Montaric Brown had just signed a three-year deal worth $31.8 million after his breakout last year; and Jarrian Jones finished the 2025 campaign strong. If that wasn't enough, Jourdan Lewis was going to return from a foot injury. Thus far, the group has left much to be desired.

Hunter has played at a high level, both on offense and defense. Heck, his two-way play turned heads in the loss to Houston. That said, Jones has struggled while Lewis has been underwhelming. Compounding the issue is that Brown is dealing with a hamstring injury and has missed three games. Then again, he wasn't particularly great before that. Similarly, newcomer Jaylon Jones has yet to make his debut with the Jags because he's recovering from a hamstring injury.

Maybe the bye will help the Jacksonville cornerback group to be healthy, but if it doesn't, general manager James Gladstone may want to reach out to other teams to look for reinforcements at the trade deadline.

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