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| (SportsDay file photo by Nancy DeLander Beecher) |
JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) - Mike Caldwell spent two years working with Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay from 2019-21.
During their time together, Bowles was the team’s defensive coordinator, and Caldwell was the linebackers’ coach. He expressed his knowledge of the game had increased due to Bowles’ presence.
For Jones and Bowles, it always had been about the defense. More specifically, it was run defense.
This spring, Caldwell brought the same philosophy across the state to Jacksonville as the team’s new defensive coordinator under Doug Pederson.
Caldwell will get to see his philosophy at work Sunday in the Jags’ opener in Landover, Md, to meet the Washington Commanders.
"That's the thing we hang our hat on – not just this Sunday, but every Sunday," stated Caldwell earlier this week. “There are more three receiver groupings in the league now. You don't find many fullbacks anymore.
"It's changed a little bit. You still need girth up front, and we have that, but you can sprinkle in pieces of strength and quickness and be able to get the job done."
Caldwell was an integral part of a unit in Tampa Bay that led the league in rushing defense (82.5 yards per game) and yards per carry (3.72).
In the preseason, the Jags under Caldwell responded. They allowed a total of 401 yards for an average carry of 3.5 yards in four games.
In their preseason, Washington rushed for 177 yards for an average of 2.6.
The Jaguars finished 23rd in the NFL in run defense in 2021, improving from 30th in 2020. They allowed 125.1 yards rushing per game last season, six times allowing 149 yards or more.
But the Jags will have to be prepared for quarterback Carson Wentz and running back Antonio Gibson, who rushed for 1,037 yards and averaged seven yards per carry last year.
Jags’ nose tackle Davon Hamilton states the defense has a bullseye on stopping the Commanders' running game.
"That's what's going to help us win the game this week and ultimately be successful throughout the year," Hamilton said. "That's what we have to do. Our preparation this year has been really good and we've really been working hard throughout camp until now to be as successful as we want to be and focus on the goals we want this year. You've got to go do it."
If they can’t stop the run, the passing game could be a problem. The Jags finished 29th in the league in sacks (26) and last in turnovers forced (nine) and interceptions (7) last year.
"We're going to go out and stop the run first, then let them play after that," Caldwell said. "That's their main focus, to go out there and handle the run. After that, we can pressure the quarterback."
Sunday afternoon, Caldwell will find out if it can work.