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Jaguars EDGE Walker Generating Pressures Despite Double Teams
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- Jaguars EDGE Walker Generating Pressures Despite Double Teams
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a significant investment in their defensive line this offseason, extending former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker in hopes of him taking the next step as a premier pass rusher.
Thus far, Walker has been paying off his new contract, ranking towards the top of the NFL in double-teams drawn.
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On Friday, ActionNews Jacksonville's Daniel Griffis notes his continued success despite extra coverage, writing that Walker's 38 double-teams ranks second in the league, and his five pressures against the double is tied for first.
Walker's continued growth is what the Jaguars' front office was looking for, and this success and attention is a prime example.
With two sacks and just 15 total tackles on the year, Walker's stats don't jump off the page, but the team success and overall defensive metrics speak to his impact.
Through the opening seven weeks of the NFL season, the Jaguars have been the most-effective rush defense, allowing just 72.2 yards per game to their opponents on the ground.
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This was apparent in Jacksonville's overseas victory in Week 5, with the Jaguars' defense allowing just 22 yards on 18 carries against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Walker also got involved in the Eagles' backfield, recording half of a sack and playing a big part in the ugly, 19-17 win.
With another strong performance against the Houston Texans prior to the bye week, the rushing defense has gone an NFL-long 23 games without surrendering 75 yards or more to an individual rusher.
This streak will be tested this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts and star running back Jonathan Taylor, who ranks fifth in the NFL with 587 rushing yards.
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Taylor is a workhorse back and the Colts will be leaning on their star players after a difficult week of trades and decisions.
For Walker and the Jacksonville pass rush, getting to Colts quarterback Daniel Jones early should be a priority, allowing defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile to single in on Taylor and contain his production.
As one of the NFL's top backs, Taylor posts big numbers against most opposing teams, but has had success against the Jaguars across his past three meetings with the team.
Tayloe has found the endzone in each matchup, while recording at least 70 rushing yards.
He is currently riding a two-game scoring streak, and will be itching to make it a trifecta against a divisional rival.
The Jaguars host the Colts at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
