Welcome to Massive Cat Nation’s employees roundtable!
As we speak, we’re previewing Week 4’s matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
What has shocked you most concerning the Jaguars to this point this season?
Dillon Appleman: The plain reply right here is the struggles of Brian Thomas Jr., however I’m truthfully extra shocked at how the protection has carried out beneath a first-year DC in Anthony Campanille. The unit was horrendous final yr, so enchancment was a low bar heading into the season, however this protection has legitimately been terrific by three video games. Can’t say sufficient good issues about coach Camp.
Travis Holmes: On the constructive aspect of issues, I’ve been most impressed by the play of this offensive line. The workforce could also be coming off its worst speeding efficiency of 2025, but they discovered a method to set up the run within the second half after struggling early towards Houston’s five-man entrance. On the not-so-good aspect of issues, I’ve been shocked on the play of the particular groups return items to this point. The Jaguars rank twenty eighth in yards per kick return (22.6) and twenty fifth in yards per punt return (8.6); these averages are every 3 full yards decrease than final yr.
Gus Logue: The defensive coordinator has shocked me for a second straight season — in a great way, this time. Anthony Campanile’s unit already has extra takeaways by three video games (9) than Ryan Nielsen’s had all final yr (8). When the turnovers ultimately diminish, it received’t unveil a fraudulent protection. This group is legit, and Camp is cooking up stunt video games, blitz packages, disguised coverages, simulated pressures, you title it. The 2025 protection could possibly be the workforce’s finest since Sacksonville.
What’s a matchup you’re trying ahead to watching?
Dillon: Josh Hines-Allen vs. Trent Williams is about to be a heavyweight combat. JHA is off to an unimaginable begin to the season, and Williams continues to be a top-five deal with within the NFL at the moment. Allen is simply 1.5 sacks away from being the all-time chief in Jags historical past — I’m positive he would love to perform that feat towards a participant like Williams.
Travis: Ricky Pearsall versus Tyson Campbell. The Jaguars have confronted a trio of actually good receivers over the primary three video games, who all had good to outright elite days regardless of subpar quarterback play. Whereas the expectation is at all times that sure receivers will win their share of the battles, that expectation also needs to be shared for cornerbacks, and Campbell bounced again towards Nico Collins in week 3. Christian McCaffrey will little doubt get his explosives on the bottom and thru the air. However this recreation will doubtless come down as to if Jacksonville can restrict or erase San Francisco’s secondary threats. That begins with Campbell towards Pearsall, the 49ers’ main receiver with 281 yards in three video games.
Gus: Trevor Lawrence towards San Francisco’s cross rush. With Nick Bosa (knee) out of the image, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh figures to ship further our bodies extra usually. Lawrence ought to have a number of probabilities to make the Niners pay after they don’t have a numbers benefit in protection. Amongst 30 passers with 5+ downfield makes an attempt this season, Lawrence joins Michael Penix Jr. as the one ones with out a completion, so hopefully the deep ball will emerge for Jacksonville on Sunday.
Who would be the largest X-factor?
Dillon: Christian McCaffrey. With the Niners down a handful of offensive weapons (George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, probably Jauan Jennings), they’re going to lean closely on their star again on Sunday. If he has an enormous day, it’s going to be robust for the Jags to tug out a win in San Francisco.
Travis: Rookie defensive finish Mykel Williams versus Jacksonville’s offensive line. Whereas we all know All-Professional edge Nick Bosa received’t be suiting up on Sunday after his week 3 damage, many might need missed simply how the 49ers used Williams in Bosa’s absence. He performed 35 downs as an edge and eight as a defensive deal with or nostril deal with, through PFF. Williams ended the day with six quarterback pressures, main all 2025 rookies, and two third-down run stops towards Arizona. Proper deal with Anton Harrison and proper guard Patrick Mekari will primarily be tasked with holding the rookie away from Trevor Lawrence.
Gus: I’ll go together with Devin Lloyd. He ranks third amongst linebackers in PFF grade this season (90.2) however Kyle Shanahan is infamous for posing issues towards that place. It’d go a good distance in the direction of a Jaguars W if Lloyd can proceed making performs in the course of the sector. I’m additionally to see 49ers WR Demarcus Robinson now that he’s served his three-game suspension; he may have a large position on Sunday.
Dillon: Jaguars 30, Niners 20
Travis: Jaguars 17, Niners 16
Gus: Jaguars 27, Niners 28
What are your Week 4 predictions, Jaguars followers? Tell us within the feedback!