Big Cat Country
Welcome to Big Cat Country’s staff roundtable!
Today, we’re previewing Week 4’s matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
What has surprised you most about the Jaguars so far this season?
Dillon Appleman: The obvious answer here is the struggles of Brian Thomas Jr., but I’m honestly more surprised at how the defense has performed under a first-year DC in Anthony Campanille. The unit was horrendous last year, so improvement was a low bar heading into the season, but this defense has legitimately been terrific through three games. Can’t say enough good things about coach Camp.
Travis Holmes: On the positive side of things, I’ve been most impressed by the play of this offensive line. The team may be coming off its worst rushing performance of 2025, yet they found a way to establish the run in the second half after struggling early against Houston’s five-man front. On the not-so-good side of things, I’ve been shocked at the play of the special teams return units so far. The Jaguars rank 28th in yards per kick return (22.6) and 25th in yards per punt return (8.6); those averages are each 3 full yards lower than last year.
Gus Logue: The defensive coordinator has surprised me for a second straight season — in a good way, this time. Anthony Campanile’s unit already has more takeaways through three games (9) than Ryan Nielsen’s had all last year (8). When the turnovers eventually diminish, it won’t unveil a fraudulent defense. This group is legit, and Camp is cooking up stunt games, blitz packages, disguised coverages, simulated pressures, you name it. The 2025 defense could be the team’s best since Sacksonville.
What’s a matchup you’re looking forward to watching?
Dillon: Josh Hines-Allen vs. Trent Williams is about to be a heavyweight fight. JHA is off to an incredible start to the season, and Williams is still a top-five tackle in the NFL today. Allen is just 1.5 sacks away from being the all-time leader in Jags history — I’m sure he would love to accomplish that feat against a player like Williams.
Travis: Ricky Pearsall versus Tyson Campbell. The Jaguars have faced a trio of really good receivers over the first three games, who all had good to outright elite days despite subpar quarterback play. While the expectation is always that certain receivers will win their share of the battles, that expectation should also be shared for cornerbacks, and Campbell bounced back against Nico Collins in week 3. Christian McCaffrey will no doubt get his explosives on the ground and through the air. But this game will likely come down to whether Jacksonville can limit or erase San Francisco’s secondary threats. That starts with Campbell against Pearsall, the 49ers’ leading receiver with 281 yards in three games.
Gus: Trevor Lawrence against San Francisco’s pass rush. With Nick Bosa (knee) out of the picture, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh figures to send extra bodies more often. Lawrence should have several chances...
