Jaguars mid-season defensive grades

At the halfway point of the season, the Jacksonville Jaguars are sitting with a 1-7 record and not much fun on the horizon. With that being said, let's grade out how the defense has performed so far.

Defensive Line

The Jaguars defensive line, like a lot of position groups, has been hit with injury. The defensive end position was thin at the start of the season, which led to players playing more snaps than they should have. Jeremy Mincey has struggled to get the pressure he did last season and rookie Andre Branch was in a bit over his head early in the season. With the additions of Austen Lane, George Selvie and John Chick from injury it's improved somewhat, but still leaves a lot to be desired.

The pass rush hasn't been the only problem as the team hasn't been too great against the run. Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu have both struggled on the field with Knighton losing his starting role to C.J. Mosley.

Grade: C-

Linebackers

The Jaguars linebackers have probably been hurt the most by injuries on the season, without both Daryl Smith and Clint Session for the entire season so far and likely the rest of the year. Russell Allen and Kyle Bosworth filled in best they could, but both still struggled as starters.

Grade: D+

Defensive Backs

Of all the units on the defense, the Jaguars defensive backfield has probably played the best despite all of the injuries. A big reason for that is the play of safeties Dawan Landry and Dwight Lowery, one of which is now injured. Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox have battled injuries as well as rough play, but even their back ups have settled in and placed some serviceable football.

Grade: B-