Josh Hines-Allen quietly playing pivotal role in Jaguars turnaround

The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to a strong start this season, opening the 2025 campaign at 2–1. A major reason for that success has been the stellar play of their defense, which ranks among the league’s best with three turnovers forced per game. Leading the charge is star edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen, who has been a dominant disruptor through the first three weeks.

While he has yet to record a sack this season, the Jaguars’ veteran has made his presence felt in other ways. The game-sealing interception in Week 3 came directly off a deflection by No. 41. Without his effort, Houston might have completed the pass for a touchdown. Even if it had fallen short, the Texans would have faced a manageable fourth-and-one with another chance to extend the drive.

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Josh Hines-Allen has played a massive role in the Jaguars' turnaround

Josh Hines-Allen embodies what it means to be a leader. While national media often focuses on sack totals, the Jaguars’ returning captain is making his presence felt in every other way. Many of his teammates’ sacks come from quarterbacks forced to roll away from Hines-Allen’s pressure.

Multiple interceptions have been the result of him being in the quarterback’s face, making them uncomfortable and forcing an errant throw. Even without a recorded sack, according to PFF, Hines-Allen leads the league in quarterback pressures.

The Jaguars’ defensive turnaround has been a key factor in their two wins this season. Last year, the unit was abysmal, allowing opposing offenses to move the ball at will. Just three games into 2025, the defense is telling a different story. Players are flying around the field, forcing turnovers, and keeping opponents off balance.

Jacksonville’s strong defensive output is something the team can lean on. While the offense is still finding its footing, particularly in the passing game, the defense has picked up the slack. This sense of complementary football is something head Coach Liam Coen emphasized in a passionate postgame locker room speech.

While there’s still plenty of football left to play, this Jaguars defense is shaping up to be one of the most opportunistic units in the league. They’re just one questionable pass interference call away from being 3–0 and tied for the top spot in the division, a testament to how far this unit has come.

The Jaguars will have plenty of chances to prove this defense is a force to be reckoned with. Next week, they host a banged-up but still dangerous San Francisco 49ers squad. The following week, Jacksonville travels to Kansas City for a Monday night showdown with the reigning champions. To win those games, the Jaguars’ defense must be at its very best. Much of that will hinge on the leadership of veteran Josh Hines-Allen.

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