Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for their upcoming matchup against [opponent team], the team’s defense has been hard at work refining schemes, sharpening skills, and studying film to counter the opponent’s offensive threats. This week’s practice notebook offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Jaguars’ defensive unit—ranked 12th in the NFL in points allowed—has tailored its preparation to neutralize key playmakers, exploit offensive weaknesses, and ensure cohesion across all positions. From simulated red-zone drills to one-on-one coverage work, every session has been designed with a clear goal: to control the tempo of the game and secure a crucial win. Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a recap of drills; it’s a window into the strategic thinking and relentless effort that define the Jaguars’ defensive approach.

Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicks off with red-zone defense drills, a top priority for the Jaguars after scouting the opponent’s 8th-ranked red-zone offense (converting 63% of trips into touchdowns). On Tuesday’s practice, the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary ran 15 consecutive red-zone scenarios, with the first-team defense facing the scout team offense (which mimicked the opponent’s formations and playcalls). Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell focused on two key adjustments: narrowing the defensive line to clog running lanes (to stop the opponent’s 11th-ranked red-zone rushing attack) and having safeties play “in-the-box” to help with run support while still being able to drop back for pass coverage. Defensive end Josh Allen stood out, recording three simulated sacks during the drills—including one where he beat the scout team’s right tackle with a quick inside move. “Red-zone defense is all about discipline,” Allen said after practice. “We can’t let them get easy yards or open looks at the end zone. These drills help us lock in on our assignments and react fast.” The Jaguars’ red-zone defense has improved steadily this season (now allowing a 55% conversion rate), and this week’s focus aims to keep that momentum going.

A second focal point in Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars is one-on-one coverage drills, designed to prepare the secondary for the opponent’s dynamic wide receiver corps. With the opponent boasting two receivers with over 600 yards this season, the Jaguars’ cornerbacks and safeties spent Wednesday’s practice matching up against the team’s own wideouts (who mimicked the opponent’s route-running styles). Cornerback Tre Herndon, who will likely draw the assignment of covering the opponent’s top deep threat, had a standout session—breaking up three passes, including a contested jump ball in the end zone. Safeties Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins also participated in “two-deep” coverage drills, practicing communication to avoid misreads that could lead to big plays. “One-on-one drills test your technique and confidence,” Herndon said. “The opponent’s receivers are fast and crafty, so I need to be sharp with my footwork and ready to react to any route. These reps help me build that muscle memory.” Defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend emphasized that communication was just as important as individual skill: “In coverage, one misstep or miscommunication can lead to a touchdown. We’re making sure everyone is on the same page, whether it’s a man or zone look.”

Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars also includes run-stopping drills, a critical focus as the Jaguars prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars’ opponent’s 9th-ranked rushing offense (averaging 120 yards per game). On Thursday, the defensive line and linebackers ran “gap-sound” drills, where each player practiced maintaining their assigned gap to prevent running backs from finding cutback lanes. Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton was a force in the middle, consistently plugging gaps and forcing the scout team’s running backs to bounce outside (where the Jaguars’ edge linebackers were waiting to make tackles). Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, who leads the team with 125 tackles, also worked on “read-and-react” drills—studying the scout team’s offensive line movements to anticipate whether a play was a run or pass. “Stopping the run sets the tone for the entire defense,” Oluokun said. “If we can force them into third-and-long, we can get off the field and give our offense a chance to score. These drills help us stay disciplined and work as a unit.” The Jaguars’ run defense has been inconsistent this season (allowing 115 yards per game), but this week’s targeted work aims to shore up weaknesses and limit the opponent’s rushing attack.

Another key entry in Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars is film study sessions, where the entire defensive unit analyzed the Jacksonville Jaguars’ opponent’s offensive tendencies and exploitable patterns. On Monday and Friday, the Jaguars spent two hours reviewing game tape, focusing on the opponent’s third-down strategies (they convert 38% of third downs) and quarterback’s decision-making under pressure. Caldwell pointed out specific trends: the opponent’s quarterback tends to hold the ball longer when facing a four-man rush (leading to more sacks) and often targets the slot receiver on third-and-5 or longer. The defense also noted that the opponent’s offensive line struggles with stunts and blitzes—something the Jaguars plan to use to their advantage. “Film study is where the game is won or lost,” Cisco said. “We’re not just watching plays—we’re looking for habits, tells, and things we can exploit. If we know the opponent tends to run a certain play on third-and-short, we can be ready to stop it.” The Jaguars also used virtual reality (VR) headsets to simulate game scenarios, letting players “experience” the opponent’s offense from the field before stepping onto the grass.

Finally, Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars wraps up with team defense scrimmages, which brought all the week’s adjustments together in a game-like setting. On Saturday’s practice, the first-team defense faced the first-team offense in a 20-minute scrimmage, with the score tied 7-7 to replicate a tight matchup. The defense shined, forcing three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) and holding the offense to just 2 field goals. Allen recorded a sack, Herndon broke up a deep pass, and Oluokun made a crucial stop on fourth-and-1 to end a potential scoring drive. “Scrimmages let us put everything we’ve worked on into action,” Caldwell said. “It’s one thing to run a drill—it’s another to do it when the clock is ticking and the pressure is on. This week’s work has been intense, and the scrimmage showed that the guys are ready.” As the Jaguars head into game day, their defense carries not just skill and strategy, but the confidence that comes from thorough preparation. Practice Notebook Highlights Defense Prep for the Jacksonville Jaguars ultimately reveals that success on defense isn’t just about talent—it’s about the hours of work, attention to detail, and teamwork that happen before the first snap. For the Jaguars, that preparation could be the difference between a win and a loss in a critical matchup.