Story by
Jaguars LB Oluokun Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
- Story by
- Jaguars LB Oluokun Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
(USA TODAY Network/Reuters Connect)
The Jacksonville Jaguars' defense has carried over it's aggressive mindset from last season to this one, with the team once again forcing turnovers and hunting the ball.
On Sunday, in the Jaguars' 22-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals , this was once again the theme, with Anthony Campanile's unit forcing two interceptions against Joe Burrow.
Advertisement
Starting linebacker Foyesade Oluokun was responsible for one of these takeaways, jumping a short route to take away a redzone opportunity for the Bengals.
Oluokun had a big day overall, recording seven tackles, an interception, and a quarterback hit.
For his performance, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, joining New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Kansas City Chiefs punter Matt Araiza as the Week 4 representatives.
This continues a streak of accolades for Oluokun, who moved into third place in franchise history for tackles with his seven-tackle performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, passing Rashean Mathis.
Advertisement
Oluokun has been a staple of Jacksonville's defense since being acquired in 2022, transforming into one of the most consistent players in the league.
After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Yale, Oluokun carved out a strong four years with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Jaguars.
In 2021, his last in Atlanta, Oluokun posted a career-high 192 tackles, leading the league.
He would carry this production over into his first season with Jacksonville, once again sitting atop the NFL with 184 takedowns.
He has surpassed 100 tackles every season since, with his 1,061 tackles ranking third-most in the NFL since his rookie year.
Advertisement
This season, Oluokun has taken on the ball-hawking role in the middle of Campanile's defense, already recording two takeaways.
Last season, this was Devin Lloyd's role, who recorded five picks and already has two with the Carolina Panthers this season.
The development of Oluokun as a turnover threat is extremely promising for Jacksonville going forward, especially considering the production the team is getting next to Oluokun.
Former Florida standout linebacker Ventrell Miller looks like a breakout candidate, already totaling 30 tackles and serving as one of the Jaguars' top run defenders.
Advertisement
Miller is among the NFL leaders in stuffs, with 16, showing his ability to shut down opposing team's offenses.
Heading into an international matchup with the shorthanded Philadelphia Eagles, expect Oluokun and Miller to have big days in the tackling department.
With no Saquon Barkley, and star left tackle Lane Johnson announcing his retirement, the Jaguars should be able to tee off against the run game.
