Quote:You do realize when teams like the Chargers and Titans get up on the Jags by the score of 35-0 (3rd Qtr) and 27-0 (Halftime) they tend to take their foot of the gas and attempt to just run out the clock right?

 

We're # 25 in points against per game and #32 in takeaways.

 

#19 rushing yards against per game

Well how many times were we down in blowout losses this year?

 

As Gene Frenette observed, we were in most games this year.

 

Quote: 

Week 17 was reminiscent of weeks 1, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, all losses in which the Jaguars either blew a fourth quarter lead or came up short when they were within one score of the lead.

“That happened a lot this year, didn’t it?” said receiver Bryan Walters. “We had a lot of opportunities. Same old story.”

 

Also understand, the points allowed ranking typically does not exclude offensive points surrendered due to pick 6s, etc, or special teams points allowed.

 

In fairness to your point, run defense and turnovers created remain problematic.

 

Nevertheless, while I agree the defense was not a dominant defense like the top 5-6 ranking might suggest to some, I submit the rankings are reflective of overall defensive improvement, not only due to better talent (Jackson, Ngakoue, Fowler, Jack, Ramsey) but with the changing of coordinators (Babich to Wash).  That overall defensive improvement should be built upon, not throwing the baby out with the bathwater in the name of scrapping the scheme.

 

Bottom line:  We don't have the stud NT to run the 3-4.  We definitely don't have the linebackers, either in type or sheer numbers.

---