The Jaguars secondary has been about as dominant against the pass as conceivably possible through five weeks. 2016 free agent acquisition Tashaun Gipson has been a different player at free safety in year two with the Jaguars. After intercepting just one pass in his inaugural campaign with the team, Gipson has a team high three interceptions in just five games. 2017 free agent acquisition Barry Church has been equally as impressive at strong safety. He's done well in the run game and helped to close down the middle of the field for opposing QBs. In week five he recorded the first pick six of his career, and in week four recorded his first sack as a pro. Nickel cornerback Aaron Colvin has been coming on strong too and played his best game as a pro against Pittsburgh. He recorded 10 tackles against the Steelers and was always around the ball.
Those three players have thrived in 2017 under Todd Wash, but their success has been largely dependent on the dominance of the Jaguars two CBs on the outside. 2016 fifth overall pick Jalen Ramsey is playing, perhaps, the best CB in football through five weeks and his running mate AJ Bouye, who the Jaguars paid top dollar for in free agency earlier this year, is playing just as well. Through five weeks they are number one and two in the entire NFL in completion percentage when targeted. AJ Bouye has been targeted far more than has Ramsey, but he's allowing a completion percentage of just 37.5 when targeted (According to Pro Football Focus). Jalen Ramsey is just behind Bouye at 38.7%. The level of play from Ramsey and Bouye has propelled the Jaguars defense to become one of the scariest units on either side of the ball in the NFL this year. These guys aren't just shutting down WRs, they're making plays on the ball too. Both players have two interceptions in five games and are on pace to record 13 combined interceptions in 2017. The Jaguars face the high powered Rams offense in week six. They'll face Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Sammy Watkins, Tavon Austin and one of the best young minds in the game Sean McVay. This secondary will need to play much better than they did in their last home game against the Titans - a game where the entire defense fell apart for the last quarter and a half. Who's been your favorite player in the Jaguars secondary this year? Let us know in the comments below! |
