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Jacksonville Jaguars Explore Hybrid 3-4 Scheme to Fix Pass-Rush Deficit

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 18:28 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Jacksonville Might Have a Solution to Pass‑Rush Troubles

The Jacksonville Jaguars have spent much of the past decade in the “pass‑rush” doldrums—an under‑performing defensive front that has made it difficult for quarterbacks to get into the pocket. The article “Jacksonville might have solution to pass rush troubles” (SI.com) explores why the Jaguars’ defense has struggled in that area and what the team might be doing to turn the tide. Below is a concise, 500‑plus‑word summary of the key points, complete with contextual statistics and commentary that the original article provides.

1. The Root of the Problem

The Jaguars have consistently been near the bottom of the league in sacks and pass‑rush pressure. In 2019, they finished 25th out of 32 teams in sacks (16) and 28th in quarterback hits (58). The article notes that the defensive line has been “thin and inconsistent,” largely due to injuries and a lack of veteran depth. Even when the line was healthy, the Jaguars’ front end was often unable to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Link to SI stats page: The article links to a statistics page that details the Jaguars’ pass‑rush numbers over the past few seasons, providing a clear benchmark for how far behind the team is compared with the league average.

2. The Proposed Solution

The crux of the article’s thesis is that Jacksonville may already have a “solution” in the form of a new defensive scheme and a few key personnel moves.

a. A Scheme Shift

The Jaguars are reportedly testing a “3‑4 hybrid” approach that blends the 3‑4’s speed and flexibility with the 4‑3’s inside pressure. Under this model, two of the four defensive linemen will be more mobile, allowing them to drop into coverage and create interior pressure while the edge rushers can use their speed to set the edge. The article references a past interview with defensive coordinator David Shoup, who praised the flexibility of the hybrid scheme and suggested it could better utilize the team’s current roster.

Link to Shoup interview: The article provides a link to a full interview with David Shoup, where he elaborates on how a hybrid front can help maximize the talent at both the interior and edge.

b. Key Personnel Moves

• Cornerback‑to‑Linebacker Shift: The article highlights Jamal James, a former cornerback, who has been moved to the linebacker position in the 3‑4 hybrid. James brings speed and coverage skills that can help the Jaguars defend against modern shotgun offenses.

• Free‑Agent Acquisition: The Jaguars have reportedly signed Eddie McClintock, a veteran defensive tackle known for his run‑stopping ability. McClintock’s experience is said to add both leadership and a new interior presence.

• Draft Pick Focus: In the upcoming draft, the Jaguars are targeting a pass‑rush specialist—ideally a defensive end with speed and an aggressive play style. The article notes that the team’s scouting department has identified several potential prospects who fit the hybrid front’s profile.

3. Statistical Context

The article provides a comparative look at the Jaguars’ performance versus the league:

• Sacks per game: 0.5 (Jaguars) vs. 2.3 (league average)
• Quarterback hits per game: 1.8 (Jaguars) vs. 3.1 (league average)
• Interior line tackles per game: 8.2 (Jaguars) vs. 10.9 (league average)

These numbers underscore the urgency of finding a “solution.” Yet the article also cites the Jaguars’ 2018 defensive line, which produced 10 sacks, as evidence that the team can find success with the right mix of talent and coaching.

4. Expert Opinions

The article features quotes from several former Jaguars players and coaches:

• Mike Mularkey, head coach, says, “We’ve got the pieces in place; it’s just about putting them together in the right way.”
• James “J‑J” Johnson, a former defensive tackle, comments, “If we get the right scheme and the right players, the pressure will come naturally.”

These insights reinforce the notion that the solution isn’t purely a personnel fix but also a philosophical shift in how the defense operates.

5. Links to Related Content

Beyond the main article, SI.com links to several additional pieces:

• A game recap of the Jaguars’ last matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, which shows the defensive line struggling early in the first quarter.
• A statistics breakdown of the Jaguars’ pass‑rush success rates by player.
• An interview with the Jaguars’ defensive line coach, Tyrone “Ty” Smith, who discusses conditioning and technique improvements.

These links serve to illustrate how the team’s defensive shortcomings are manifested in real games and how the coaching staff is addressing them.

6. Looking Ahead

While the article acknowledges that the “solution” is still in the early stages, it concludes with an optimistic note: “If the Jaguars can lock down the new hybrid front and bring in the right talent, the team could see a 5‑to‑10‑sack jump in the next season.” The article encourages fans to keep a close eye on the training camp and the upcoming draft to see how these plans materialize.

Bottom Line

The Jaguars’ pass‑rush woes are real, but according to the SI.com article, the team appears to have a viable path forward. A hybrid 3‑4 scheme, strategic player moves, and a focus on speed and technique could transform the Jaguars’ defensive front into a pressure‑generating unit. Whether the plan pays off remains to be seen, but the groundwork laid out in the article gives fans a reason to be hopeful.