Gap discipline key for Jaguars slowing Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell

JACKSONVILLE, Fla, – Through the first four games of the 2017 season the Jaguars defense has proven to be opportunistic. Their 18 sacks and 10 forced turnovers are on pace to shatter last year’s totals of 33 and 13.

However in both of Jacksonville’s losses they’ve been vulnerable to the run game. 
In week 2 they gave up 179 yards to the Titans and last weekend the Jets ran for 256 yards. The explanation given was that the Jaguars needed to be more gap discipline and trust that your teammate will be in the right spot. That concept will be put to the test Sunday when the Jaguars face Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. 

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“He has been extremely successful,” said Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone. “Very difficult, very patient, good burst, very good out of the backfield. There is a reason why he is a Pro Bowl running back. You can see that on tape. He is very consistent. It will be a challenge, obviously, after what we have been doing and our rush defense.”

The challenge in facing Bell is that there aren’t many running backs that can match his style. In fact none of the Jaguars defensive players could name another running back that they could compare to Bell. 

“He’s made a niche for himself and is doing things nobody else can do,” said Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson. “That’s what you’re supposed to do. He’s a great back. We have to make sure that we keep him contained. I know they’re looking at last week’s numbers and thinking they’re going to run against us a lot. The challenge is for us to go out there, be stout and not give up as many yards as we did last week.”

After skipping all of training camp and the entire preseason, Bell got off to a slow start this year. His 180 yards rushing through the first three weeks weren’t terrible but didn’t come anywhere close to the production he’s shown in his first four years in Pittsburgh. That changed last week against the Ravens. Bell shook off the rust and exploded for 144 yards and two touchdowns. 

“His style is to get you undisciplined,” said Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell. “If you get to aggressive you’ll get out of your gap and then he’ll make a big play. He’s so patient and so explosive. That’s a deadly combination.”

Against the Ravens, the Steelers ran the ball 42 times compared to 30 passes. Expect that trend to continue this week. The Jaguars are dead last among the 32 NFL teams in both rushing defense (165.5 yards a game) and yards allowed per carry (5.7).