JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Through the first three weeks of the 2026 season, the Jaguars’ defense ranks as the NFL’s best in points allowed, averaging just 12.0 per game. What’s a bit odd is that they simultaneously rank 17th in yards per game (327.0).
At the end of the day, it’s points that ultimately matter and the Jags’ ‘bend don’t break’ defense and situational excellence has them atop the NFL.
When the pressure is on, the Jaguars just aren’t good, they are the best in the NFL. On third down, the Jaguars rank second in the NFL in conversion rate (29.0%), first in EPA/Play, first in EPA/Pass, first in EPA/Rush.
The Jaguars’ dominant run-defense, which hasn’t allowed a 75-yard rusher since 2024, allows just 1.9 yards per carry on third down. They also happen to be one of four teams to average contact with the opposing running back behind the line of scrimmage.
If teams are able to convert one or two third downs, Jacksonville is equally impenetrable in the red zone. The Jaguars rank second in red zone %, allowing just 14% of trips to be converted into touchdowns.
A big part of that has been the two interceptions inside the end zone, courtesy of Travis Hunter and Jourdan Lewis. The Jags happen to be the only team to force multiple takeaways inside the red zone. Even without the turnovers, Jacksonville ranks third in yards per play (1.77).
Interestingly enough, the Jaguars’ man coverage rate goes from 15.9% (15th) to a whopping 65.0% (2nd), according to Fantasy Points. While running man coverage, the Jaguars allowed just two of eight targets to be completed for 17 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions.
That’s good for an NFL Rating of 0.0. Literally can’t do better than that.
As with their success on third down, the Jaguars’ run-defense plays a crucial role inside the 20-yard line. On the season, the Jaguars have allowed just 20 yards on 15 designed runs (1.33 YPC) inside the red zone. Notably, the Jags denied the Broncos on three consecutive rushes from the one-yard line.
When Liam Coen was hired as the Jaguars’ head coach, he said he wanted his team to be “situational masters.” Through three games of 2026, his defense is that and then some. Force teams to kick, whether it be punts or field goals, and it’s easy to win football games.
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