5 biggest disappointments for the Jaguars early in the 2024 season

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-4 to start the 2024 season. Following the loss to the Houston Texans in Week 4, head coach Doug Pederson got lots of flak for blaming the players. He wasn't necessarily wrong, it's just that the way he conveyed his message wasn't the best. Moreover, he didn't have to go out of his way to defend offensive coordinator Press Taylor. That said, Pederson was into something.

Despite sparing no expenses to make upgrades to the roster in the offseason, the Jags have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Their offense wasn't faring much better until the win over the Indianapolis Colts, and the following five players have played a role in the team's struggles to start the season.

Gabe Davis, wide receiver

The Jaguars felt like they were missing playmakers on offense in 2023, so they went after wide receiver Gabe Davis in free agency. The signing made sense when you take into account the Fernandina Beach native had previously shown big-play capability. During his four-year stint with the Buffalo Bills, he averaged 16.7 yards per catch, and it was easy to assume that the skill would carry over to the Jags. So far, that hasn't been the case.

In Jacksonville, Davis has hauled in 12 receptions for 159 yards on 25 targets. That's not necessarily a bad statline, but it's fair to say that much was expected. Apart from catching fewer than half of his targets, the Jaguars are paying him an annual average of $13.5 million. Simply put, they aren't getting enough bang for their buck.

Maason Smith, defensive tackle

The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they drafted Maason Smith 42nd overall earlier this year. After all, they had more pressing needs at the time than defensive tackle. Then again, the pick made sense when you take into account that the LSU Tiger had massing upside coming out of college and even earned comparisons to former All-Pro Calais Campbell.

So far, though, Smith has been a non-factor. Not only was he inactive for the Week 2 loss but has been underwhelming when he's gotten playing time. He's appeared on 106 defensive snaps and logged just a measly four total tackles. That's most definitely the kind of production you expect from an early-round selection.

Andre Cisco, safety

Safety Andre Cisco spent most of his rookie season on the sidelines. Once he joined the starting lineup, it didn't take him long to show his ballhawks skills at Syracuse translated well to the pros. The past two years, the New York Queens native logged seven interceptions and 20 passes defensed. Rightly, he was seen as a candidate to break out in 2024. However, he's left much to be desired.

Cisco is one of the lowest-graded Jaguars defenders this season. His Pro Football Focus overall score of 42.8 is the third worst on the team five games into 2024. It's fair to say that he's got his work cut out if he wants to get a top-market extension when he's eligible to become a free agent next year.

Tyson Campbell, cornerback

Tyson Campbell was one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL in 2022 but injuries hindered him last year. But despite his underwhelming 2023, the team's brass thought highly enough of the former Georgia Bulldog and gave him a $75.6 million contract in the offseason because they see him as a franchise cornerstone. Unfortunately, injuries have once again hampered him.

Campbell has played in just one game this season because of a hamstring injury. You could argue that it's unfair to scrutiny players for missing time with injuries, but the truth is that availability is the best ability in the NFL. You can be the most talented player in the league but it won't matter if you cannot contribute on game day. So far, Campbell has not contributed much in 2024.

Arik Armstead, defensive tackle

You have probably noticed a theme. Most of the disappointments for the Jaguars in 2024 and on defense. Despite devoting lots of resources to that side of the ball, they have one of the worst units in the league. The truth is that there's lots of blame to go around but defensive tackle Arik Armstead is one of the biggest culprits.

After signing a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in free agency, the former Oregon Duck was expected to give the interior defensive line a major boost. However, he's barely made an impact, posting just six pressures and one sack in five games.

Maybe the coaching staff should stop toying with the idea of Armstead playing on the edge and plug him in the middle, where he's at his best. It also makes sense when you take into consideration that they're barely creating pressure inside.

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