The Jacksonville Jaguars are now 2-1 after defeating the Houston Texans in Week 3. The reigning AFC South champions are, comparatively, 0-3 and are seemingly getting worse each week. Jacksonville, however, is slowly but steadily improving, and even though it may not have been the team's best win, they still walked away with what mattered.
There were definitely some areas that still need help on the roster, but they're mostly on the offense. Under Anthony Campanile, however, the defense has rebounded from its disatrous 2024 season. And there's one player in particular who stands out.
Jourdan Lewis was signed as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys, and he has proved every week that he's a major asset to the Jaguars' defense. In fact, he was named by some analysts as the sole winner from Week 3's match-up.
Jourdan Lewis continues to steal the NFL spotlight
Bleacher Report gave winners and losers from each game, and the only one to get an accolade from either team was Lewis.
"The Jacksonville Jaguars struggled offensively for most of Sunday's game. However, a trio of takeaways by a Jacksonville defense that came in leading the league in takeaways kept giving Trevor Lawrence and Co. chances.Bleacher Report
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis had one of two interceptions and repeatedly flashed against the Houston Texans. His fourth-quarter pick ended a potential Texans scoring drive, and his tackle for loss on Houston's next drive helped set up the Jags with good field position—though Lawrence responded with an interception of his own.
Lewis also had a terrific pass breakup on Houston's final drive, which was eventually ended by Antonio Johnson's pick. Jacksonville had a strong defensive performance all around, but Lewis is quickly proving himself to be a key offseason addition."
Lewis has been ranked in the top 10 for all cornerbacks in the league, and he is the first Jaguars to have multiple interceptions over the first three games since 2006.
The Cowboys clearly made a huge mistake in letting Lewis walk; he's a big-time leader for this team, and not only has proven he can make explosive plays on his own, but elevate the defense overall. He is a big part of why the Jaguars defense is turning into a unit to be feared, instead of teams just assuming they can steamroll over Jacksonville the way they did last year.
Jourdan Lewis isn't the only playmaker on the Jaguars defense - not by a long shot - but he's one of the best, both in Jacksonville and across the league.