The Jaguars have prepared a strategy for Darnell Savage already.
When the Jacksonville Jaguars signed safety Darnell Savage in free agency, there were questions. Since they had recently let go of Rayshawn Jenkins, it appeared to be a lateral move at the time. But head coach Doug Pederson clarified the decision and disclosed the coaching staff’s future plans for Savage.
Savage will play nickel for the Jaguars, according to Pederson, who also notes that they like his blitzing abilities and willingness to tackle.
Furthermore, the head coach emphasizes that Ryan Nielsen, the defensive coordinator, has a great deal of scheme flexibility because of his adaptability in playing several backfield positions.
“He’s a good tackler because of his nickel coverage aptitude and blitzing prowess. At the NFL owners’ meeting, Pederson informed the media, “He’s a willing tackler.” “He makes an excellent cover man. Simply said, everything we were seeking for that role.
He does give you that safety flex because he can play several defensive positions. if you feel like doing it. If you would like to move them in there, you can play that nickel spot.”
“Our little child, Antonio Johnson, is here. With these two men, it’s a work in progress, but I’m eager to welcome them back and get them to work,” Pederson remarked.
Savage, a 2019 first-round choice by the Green Bay Packers, has spent the majority of his NFL career playing safety, but he has also seen a good bit of nickel action. He lined up at nickel on 231 of his 873 defensive snaps (26.4 percent) as recently as 2022.
Savage will take Tre Herndon’s slot role in Jacksonville, where he spent the majority of the last two seasons.
Antonio Johnson, a sophomore defensive back who played nickel last season, will be able to return to safety with his arrival, as Pederson pointed out. Pederson claims that the coaching staff has choices in the backfield with both Savage and Johnson available.
It simply benefits the team as a whole, and you can substitute a player in case of an injury at a position. Thus, you have to have the best of both worlds out of those two players because Darnell, who can play safety, and Antonio, who we drafted, can both play safety and nickel.”
Johnson, a fifth-round selection in the previous draft, began the season sidelined by a hamstring ailment. When he was able to play, he made a significant contribution, recording three passes defensed, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. This is Pederson’s entire interview with the media.
