Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA ;Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) runs after the catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars defense in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Why the Jaguars' Defense is Under Fire

Originally posted on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI
By John Shipley | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 1:45 PM ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have taken a deep dive down most statistical rankings since their 4-1 start, especially on one side of the ball.

The Jaguars' defense was among the NFL's best during the first month of the season and recorded a rash of turnovers in big wins against the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and one against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, that defense is under siege.

Jaguars Defense Under Fire

The Jaguars' defense has been one of the most struggling in the NFL over the past month, with the Jaguars going 1-3 and allowing 26 points per game in the process. The latest defensive failure came in a losing effort against the Texans in a 36-29 loss in Week 10 in which the Texans' offense scored 19 points on three offensive possessions.

As a result, the shine has clearly come off of Liam Coen's and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's unit around the NFL. This is reflected in a recent column from NFL.com's Jeffrl Chadlha, where the Jaguars' defense was highlighted among the league's low points for Week 10.

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"This unit had been one of the more pleasant surprises in the league -- after ranking 27th in points allowed in 2024 -- but there have been some problems lately. The latest involved Jacksonville blowing a 19-point fourth quarter lead in a 36-29 loss to Houston on Sunday," Chadlha said.

"Keep in mind: The Texans played that game with backup quarterback Davis Mills because a concussion sidelined C.J. Stroud. The Jaguars also gave up four touchdown passes to Geno Smith in a 30-29 overtime win in Las Vegas and 35 points in a loss to the Rams in Week 7. Jacksonville was 4-1 at one point. It has now lost three of four, and that defense -- which set a franchise record for largest blown lead in this loss to Houston -- needs to improve fast."

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The Jaguars' defense will have to improve over the next two months if they hope to find a playoff spot in a tough AFC landscape. If it doesn't, then the Jaguars will enter the offseason with plenty of questions and, even worse, what if's.

This article first appeared on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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