The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has shown significant improvement compared to last year's performance, which helps explain a positive 4-2 start after six weeks. And a big reason for that upgraded execution is third-year safety Andre Cisco. Over the first third of the season, he's been a star for the Jaguars defense.
The defense is in the second year under defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, and that's a big factor. The unit was 12th in EPA/play and 19th in success rate last season. Through six weeks, they've been 9th in EPA/play and 8th in success rate in 2023. That means they not only have been better and more productive, but also more consistent on a play-by-play basis.
And Andre Cisco is the most significant example of that improvement. A third-round pick from 2021, he's had a big jump in production. After grading at 67.9 and 67.1 according to PFF in his first two seasons, he has an 80.0 grade this year, which includes an 83.9 run defense grade, a 75.8 coverage grade, and a 75.3 tackling grade.
He's been better in each area compared to his previous performances. And this is related to his knowledge of the defensive system, as it's the first time in his NFL career where he's running the same defensive structure two years in a row.
"His understanding of the overall scheme is better, and he's catching the ball," Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said. "He had opportunities last year and he didn't come up with those catches, now he's coming down with them. And he's a talented player, he has all the skill and a bunch of range back there. You like the way he's attacking the ball and he will continue to do that."
Cisco has had three interceptions, one forced fumble, and seven stops. When targeted, he allowed a 65.9 passer rating. He's the face of an aggressive unit.
"You can't just dink and dunk and drive the field every time," Cisco mentioned after the win over the Indianapolis Colts. "Especially against a defense like us."
Edge defender Josh Allen is obviously a big piece of the Jaguars defense. The unit also has cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell, plus defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris playing at a high level. But Andre Cisco is not only a great player, but he's also the face of the team: an aggressive, play-making, ascending player.
"We know he's going to be around the football, it seems to find him," Doug Pederson said of Cisco earlier this season. "We just got to make sure he catches it when it comes his way. He's a great leader back there, not only for the defense but for the team as well. He's just another one of the young players that we're excited to watch play."
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the season as the favorites to win the AFC South. Right now, they are 4-2, one game ahead of the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans, and two ahead of the Tennessee Titans. The Texans also seem to be on the right track, full of young players and well coached. The Colts lost Anthony Richardson for the season, and the Titans might miss Ryan Tannehill for some time.
Either way, it's not going to be an easy path to go to the playoffs again. The Jaguars need their young players to develop, and Andre Cisco has done exactly that.
It's a surprising development for a defense that didn't add outside talent, and therefore needed positive outcomes from who was already on the team.
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