Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows

After a disappointing 2024 NFL season where the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense ranked near the bottom of the league in takeaways (just 16 total, tied for 28th), the team has seen a dramatic turnaround in 2025—with defensive takeaways already on pace to more than double that number through the first half of the season. This surge isn’t a stroke of luck; it’s the result of intentional offseason changes, including a new defensive coordinator, improved player execution, and a scheme tailored to force turnovers. In 2024, the Jaguars’ defense struggled to create momentum, with just 5 interceptions and 11 fumbles recovered—numbers that left their offense with few short-field opportunities and limited their ability to swing close games. Now, with 14 takeaways (8 interceptions, 6 fumbles recovered) in the first 8 games of 2025, the Jaguars are proving that their defensive woes were temporary. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows is more than a statistical improvement; it’s a sign that the Jaguars’ defense has become a playmaking unit capable of changing the course of games.

A key driver of the Jaguars’ takeaway surge is the arrival of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who brought a scheme designed to pressure quarterbacks and force errant throws. Allen’s system emphasizes aggressive pass-rushing (the Jaguars have 24 sacks in 2025, up from 28 all of last season) and “ball-hawking” coverage, where defensive backs are taught to read quarterbacks’ eyes and attack the ball rather than just defend receivers. Unlike the 2024 scheme, which focused on preventing big plays at the cost of takeaways, Allen’s approach encourages defenders to take calculated risks—like jumping routes or stripping the ball from ball carriers. This shift has paid off for players like safety Andre Cisco, who leads the team with 3 interceptions in 2025 after recording just 1 in 2024. “Coach Allen tells us every day to play with urgency and go after the ball,” Cisco said in a recent interview. “Last year, we were too focused on not making mistakes. Now, we’re focused on making plays.” The Jaguars’ defensive line has also benefited, with edge rusher Josh Allen recording 2 forced fumbles to go along with his 8 sacks—using his speed to not only get to the quarterback but also knock the ball loose. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows is a direct result of Allen’s aggressive, takeaway-focused scheme.

Beyond scheme changes, the Jaguars’ takeaway improvement has been fueled by the growth of young defensive players who have stepped up their play in 2025. Cornerback Tyson Campbell, a third-year player who struggled with consistency in 2024 (allowing a 73% completion rate when targeted), has become a shutdown corner this season—recording 2 interceptions and breaking up 8 passes while limiting opposing receivers to a 51% completion rate. Campbell’s growth comes from a focus on film study and technique, with Allen working with him to read route combinations and anticipate where quarterbacks will throw. Rookie linebacker Marcus Williams, a first-round draft pick, has also made an impact, recovering 2 fumbles and forcing 1 in his first 8 NFL games. Williams’ ability to shed blocks and tackle with force has made him a threat to strip ball carriers, a skill he honed during offseason drills focused on ball security. Even veteran defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton has contributed, using his size to push interior linemen into quarterbacks and create fumbles (he has 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 2025). This mix of young talent and veteran leadership has turned the Jaguars’ defense from a passive unit into an aggressive, takeaway-generating force. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows is a testament to the players’ hard work and growth.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the increase in defensive takeaways has had a ripple effect on the entire team, particularly the offense. In 2024, the Jaguars’ offense started just 3 drives inside the opponent’s 40-yard line following defensive takeaways—resulting in only 10 points from those opportunities. This year, the offense has started 9 drives in opponent territory after takeaways, scoring 35 points (5 touchdowns, 2 field goals) from those positions. These short-field opportunities have 减轻了 (eased) the pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who no longer has to lead long, methodical drives to score. The Jacksonville Jaguars saw this impact in their Week 6 win over the Houston Texans, where a Cisco interception set up a 10-yard touchdown drive, and a Williams fumble recovery led to a 20-yard field goal—both of which proved critical in a 24-21 victory. Takeaways have also boosted the team’s morale, with defensive plays sparking momentum shifts that energize the offense and special teams. “When the defense gets a takeaway, it’s like a shot of adrenaline for everyone,” Lawrence said. “We know we have a chance to score quickly, and that changes the whole vibe of the game.” Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows has made the Jaguars a more balanced, dangerous team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have also invested in specific drills and training to improve takeaway skills, making ball security a focus of every defensive practice. Allen and his staff have added “takeaway drills” to daily practice sessions, where defenders work on stripping the ball from dummy carriers, intercepting passes from quarterbacks, and recovering fumbles in traffic. These drills aren’t just about repetition—they’re about building muscle memory so players react instinctively to the ball during games. The Jacksonville Jaguars also use video study to identify opponents’ tendencies, such as which running backs carry the ball loosely or which quarterbacks throw into tight coverage. For example, before their Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts, the defense studied film of Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and noticed he often carries the ball in his right hand when running to the left—leading to a game plan where linebackers targeted that hand, resulting in a forced fumble and recovery. This combination of practice and preparation has made takeaways a predictable part of the Jaguars’ defense, not just a lucky occurrence. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows is the product of intentional, focused training.

Looking ahead, the Jacksonville Jaguars hope to maintain their takeaway momentum for the rest of the 2025 season, with the goal of finishing in the top 10 in the NFL in total takeaways. If they keep up their current pace, they’ll finish with 28 takeaways—more than double their 2024 total and enough to make them a serious playoff contender. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this takeaway surge isn’t just about statistics; it’s about establishing a defensive identity that strikes fear into opponents. As Allen put it, “Takeaways win games. They give your offense opportunities, they swing momentum, and they make your team believe it can win every time it steps on the field.” With a playmaking defense now complementing a strong offense led by Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr., the Jaguars have the pieces to compete for an AFC South title and beyond. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Defensive Takeaways Rise After 2024 Lows is a turning point for the franchise—a sign that the Jaguars are no longer a team that just avoids losses, but one that actively seizes wins through defensive excellence.