Big Cat Country
The Jacksonville Jaguars head to Paycor Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Fresh off a win last Sunday, here are three matchups to look out for in Week 2:
What a start for new Jaguars’ DC Anthony Campanile last weekend! The Jags’ defense suffocated a Panthers offense that had become dangerous under the leadership of Dave Canales towards the end of 2024, leaning on Chuba Hubbard and the run game to give Bryce Young time to operate from the pocket. Well, Young looked like the version that got benched last year last weekend as Jacksonville stuffed the run and forced Carolina into too many obvious passing situations. Interestingly, Campanile didn’t bring the heat like you would expect; Young faced the blitz on just over 20% of all dropbacks on Sunday and that only increased to 28% when looking at general pressure. Perhaps this was a designed idea to let the secondary blanket cover Young’s weapons & force him into mistakes. Against Joe Burrow this weekend, the plan may need to change…
I expect a much more aggressive attitude from the defensive line on Sunday. Burrow is one of the most lethal quarterbacks from the pocket, and whilst he’s adept at avoiding pressure you do need him off script to get him out of rhythm. Arik Armstead, who was likely played out of position somewhat during his early tenure with the Jaguars, looked much more comfortable back at defensive tackle in a four-man front. Campanile obviously values his presence on the field too; Armstead had the most snaps of any Jags d-lineman against the Panthers (49). This is a tackle that knows how to get interior pressure, with 71 QB hits and 22.5 sacks his last seven years with the 49ers. Hopefully Campanile loosens the leash.
With Bengals lineman Lucas Patrick headed to injured reserve (hamstring), new addition Dalton Risner is expected to continue at right guard. You might think his unfamiliarity with Cincinnati’s scheme would be an advantage for the Jags, but Risner was impeccable in his debut last weekend. PFF graded him out at 80.5 on pass blocking – only once did a Bengals lineman achieve that all of last season. On top of that, Risner only allowed one pressure across 24 pass blocking snaps. Considering he’s only been in the building ten days, that’s impressive. Armstead vs Risner is a trench matchup that could dictate the course of this game.
Even with Carolina’s sketchy run defense in 2024, not many would have anticipated Travis Etienne’s big day on Sunday. 143 yards from just 16 carries was the biggest difference maker in a contest where the Jags outmatched their opponents in multiple areas. For years we’ve been begging for a run game that allows Trevor Lawrence to maximize his potential; if Etienne is able to keep this up, then the franchise quarterback has everything he needs to be the guy we all thought he...
