Ryan Nielsen likely angsty about his job security as Jaguars spiral out of control

When the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Ryan Nielsen as their defensive coordinator, they thought they were getting a coach who would get the most out of an underachieving unit in 2023. However, that hasn't been the case. In fact, the defense has been objectively worse with Nielsen at the helm. And after a dreadful showing in the Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Jags cannot justify keeping him around.

While the defense played well at times, they also had trouble stopping a Packers offense that with without Jordan Love for a stretch. However, the worst moment probably came at the end of the game. Tied 27-27, the unit couldn't make a stop and allowed former Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus to make the game-winning field goal. This wasn't an isolated incident, though.

Jacksonville has had one of the worst defenses in the league this season. It currently sits at 29th in both points allowed and total yards, but it's ranked as low as 31st in previous weeks. This is frustrating when you take into account that the team's brass spared no expense in the offseason to bolster the unit.

Apart from signing defensive back Darnell Savage and cornerback Ronald Darby, the Jaguars gave defensive tackle Arik Armstead a three-year deal worth $42 million. So far, they've failed to get a return on their investment.

The team's brass expected Savage to play nickel but scrapped and moved him to safety, his original position. Similarly, Nielsen has been playing Armstead out of position. A defensive tackle, the former Oregon Duck is at his best when he lines up inside. However, he's been getting snaps behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen on the edge. Not surprisingly, his impact has been minimal.

Add the fact that Darby has been underwhelming and the team's 2024 free-agent class doesn't look great. To make matters worse, the front office used a second-round pick on Maason Smith, and he's been a non-factor so far.

The Jaguars need to dismiss Ryan Nielsen as soon as possible

Head coach Doug Pederson is rightly on the hot seat, but Ryan Nielsen should also worry about his job security based on how his unit has performed. Back when he was hired, he talked about putting a renewed emphasis on technique, fundamentals, and pursuit. It's fair to say that the defense is lacking all those qualities right now. You could argue that he doesn't have enough talent, but that's not the case.

Virtually with the same group, his predecessor, Mike Caldwell, had a top-10 unit at one point in 2023. Granted, the unit was going through the motions at the end of the season, but that's why Nielsen was brought it. But instead of squeezing every ounce of talent out of players such as Josh Hines-Allen or Devin Lloyd, the defense has been unremarkable.

You could point to injuries as the reason for the defense's struggles, but that's not a valid reason. Foyesade Oluokun missed four games, but his replacement Ventrell Miller delivered. Speaking of the linebacker corps, having players rotate has prevented the group from building consistency. Something similar happens on the edge.

There are times when Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are off the field at the same time. How do you expect to generate pressure with your best edge rushers watching from the sideline? That's on Nielsen.

The bottom line is that Ryan Nielsen hasn't met expectations, and it wouldn't be shocking to see Doug Pederson move on from him. Maybe his dismissal will give the Jacksonville Jaguars the spark they sorely need.

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