The Jacksonville Jaguars have seen plenty of big plays throughout training camp, but it has been the defense in particular that has turned in the most impressive performances. The Jaguars had the best run defense in the league in 2025, but were looking to see improvement from the pass rush and the secondary this year.
So far, both units have delivered. For safety Antonio Johnson, having a second year under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is a big reason why the defense is thriving, as he explained in a post-training camp press conference,
"The most difference is us really understanding the defense and the scheme, so now we can make it our own," he said. "We are manipulating the offense now, we're understanding we know what our issues are,
so we are dictating what we want the offense to do."
"The most difference is us really understanding the defense and the scheme, so now we can make it our own. We are manipulating the offense now, we're understanding we know what our issues are, so we are dictating what we want the offense to do."@Antonio_johns0n on the… pic.twitter.com/5R7M6bW9Wu
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 11, 2026
Prior to Campanile's hiring, Jacksonville's defense was run by Ryan Nielsen in a disastrous turn, with the Jaguars' defense near the bottom in nearly every category. Campanile was able to turn the defense into a tough, physical unit that was among the best in the NFL.
Campanile did such a good job at transforming the Jacksonville defense that he's already considered a top head coach candidate, with several teams show interest following the 2025 season. Thankfully, general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen were able to keep him for at least another year. And as Johnson pointed out, that allows the defense to get even better in Year 2 under Campanile.
Now, the defense is no longer learning a new scheme, but has mastered it, which means they aren't simply reacting to offenses anymore — they're able to influence them.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Antonio Johnson discusses key to Jaguars improved play in secondary
