Jaguars seem ready for the dangerous eagle weapon

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of issues that have plagued the team this season.

While they have struggled on both sides of the ball at various points this season, the defense has cost the team several games in recent weeks and nearly cost the team one of its two wins on the season.

The defense has legitimate reasons for their recent setback, but better play is still expected from the group of professional athletes.

In numerous critical statistical categories, Jacksonville’s defense is near the bottom of the league as the unit suffered injuries early in the season. Injuries and overall poor performances have followed the Jaguars defense all season.

Four of the Jaguars’ six losses were by five points or less, but their defense has allowed 27 points or more in four of the last five games.

After a close loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, the Jaguars are scheduled to play the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday. Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen knows the weapons the Eagles have on offense can create fits on defenses, especially a struggling defense like Jacksonville’s.

“They have some really good talent, some really good talent,” Nielsen said. “He’s been playing at a high level since he got back. Physical receiver, real physical, catch point, strong hands. He’s really good at press coverage and getting off the line, and he’s got great speed. So it’s going to be a nice challenge.

“We just have to play our game. We have to get involved and make it a physical game for him. We’ve got to play some coverage over the top so he’s not just catching fade balls and things like that that people do.

The Jaguars have one of the worst defenses in the league. The unit will be tested against a talented Eagles offense featuring quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receivers DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown. Nielsen knows the defense must be prepared for the dynamic duo of receivers.

“But two really good receivers,” Nielsen said. “And then there’s the speed that DeVonta has: he can make the most of any coverage. So if we just run it, we’ll have to play a shell for it. You definitely have to stay above those guys and then mix it up. Just keep mixing up the coverage of him so he doesn’t get any high marks and goes to X or Z every time.

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