Here’s another example of how quickly things changed for the biggest surprise team of the 2017 season: The 2016 campaign ended with Jacksonville cornerback Jalen Ramsey publicly advocating for the firing of his team’s defensive coordinator.
One year later, Todd Wash is being honored as Sporting News' 2017 Coordinator of the Year, as voted upon by NFL head coaches.
Jacksonville’s improvement from a franchise with six straight seasons of double-digit losses to one that finished the regular season with its first AFC South title since the NFL realigned its divisions in 2002 stems largely from the play of Wash’s unit.
The Jaguars ranked second in the NFL in average points allowed (16.8), sacks (55) and takeaways (33). The pass defense yielded a league-low 169.9 yards a game.
Jacksonville became the first team since the 2006 Baltimore Ravens with four players — Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, Dante Fowler Jr. and Malik Jackson — registering at least eight sacks apiece. No team allowed fewer drives (28) into its red zone, either.
And as for the then-rookie who proclaimed that “a new beginning will serve us great here,” Ramsey earned a prestigious nod on Sporting News’ 2017 All-Pro team.
So what changed?
Start with Wash himself. He made peace with Ramsey and other disgruntled Jags defenders during the offseason by hearing their concerns and making Jacksonville’s 4-3 scheme more diverse than it was when Gus Bradley served as head coach before being replaced by Doug Marrone. Wash also amended Jacksonville’s linebacker crew to better take advantage of the strengths brought by Myles Jack, Telvin Smith and Paul Posluszny.
MORE SN AWARDS:
Coach of the Year | All-Pro Team
Jacksonville’s front office gave Wash more talent to work with through the free-agent signing of Campbell, the 2017 Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year, as well as cornerback A.J. Bouye and strong safety Barry Church. A midseason trade with Buffalo that landed defensive tackle Marcell Dareus provided much-needed help in stopping the run.
Jacksonville’s top-ranked rushing offense also served to complement the defense with the Jaguars ranking sixth in time of possession with a 31:19 average.
A defensive line coach his first eight NFL seasons before being promoted by Bradley to defensive coordinator in 2016, Wash didn’t receive any head coaching interviews during the league’s recent hiring cycle.
Should that happen next year as expected, don’t look for Ramsey and Co. to advocate Wash walking out the door this time after the 49-year-old took advantage of the clean slate he was given.
Coordinator of the Year voting results
1. Todd Wash, DC, Jaguars
2. Josh McDaniels, OC, Patriots
T3. Pat Shurmer, OC, Vikings; Matt Patricia, DC, Patriots
