Expectations weren't particularly high for the Jacksonville Jaguars when they hired Liam Coen in 2025. After all, he was a first-time head coach, and they had just finished 4-13 the year prior. Compounding the issue is that Trevor Lawrence was coming off a shoulder injury, and his viability as a franchise quarterback was in doubt. But against all odds, Coen oversaw an immediate turnaround.
With Coen leading the way, the Jags won 13 games and clinched the AFC South title last year. Moreover, Lawrence played like a top-10 quarterback to end 2025. Now, Jacksonville faces the challenge of making the playoffs for the second year in a row and defending its division title.
While the Jags have several things going in their favor to make a deep playoff run, they also have a few question marks that could bring it all to a screeching halt. With this in mind, here are three perceived weaknesses that could derail their season.
The Jaguars have an unproven backfield
The Jacksonville Jaguars let Travis Etienne walk in free agency because they're confident that Bhayshul Tuten can fill his shoes. While Tuten only averaged 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie, he got the ball in more short-yardage situations than Etienne, so he should put up better stats with more opportunities next season. On top of that, the former Virginia Tech Hokie showed big play capability against the Buffalo Bills, toting the rock just four times for 51 yards.
The issue is that Tuten has minimal experience, so there's a chance he won't be up to the task of replacing Etienne in spite of his potential. To make matters worse, the Jags signed Chris Rodriguez to take some of the workload off Tuten's shoulders, but he's missed the offseason program after undergoing foot surgery.
If Tuten doesn't step up and Rodriguez fails to get up to speed once he gets back, the Jags could have trouble running the football, which would put extra pressure on Trevor Lawrence's shoulders.
The pass rush could be an issue for the Jaguars
There's no doubt that the Jaguars have one of the NFL's best pass-rush duos in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. However, the rest of their rotation could leave a bit to be desired. They were missing a No. 3 last year, and that was evident when Walker missed time with injuries, as Jacksonville had trouble getting after the quarterback.
To remedy the issue, the team's brass drafted Wesley Williams and Zach Durfee. On top of that, sophomores B.J. Green II and Danny Striggow are expected to make strides. The expectation is that one of them will separate himself from the bunch, but if nobody does, the Jaguars will be in trouble.
Compounding the issue is that Jacksonville struggled to bring the heat from the interior last year. Arik Armstead got off to a strong start to 2025 but faded down the stretch. DaVon Hamilton, on the other hand, is a stud against the run, but doesn't offer much in the pass rush department. The Jags had better hope that rookie Albert Regis or trade acquisition Ruke Orhorhoro can successfully get after the quarterback; otherwise, opposing teams will routinely double-team Walker and Hines-Allen.
The Jaguars don't have a define answer at left tackle
After waiting for his shot, Walker Little at last became the starter at left tackle when the Jaguars traded Cam Robinson in 2024. Not long after, Little got a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. At the time, it seemed like a good investment, as the former Stanford Cardinal had previously flashed and seemed like an upgrade over Robinson.
However, Little struggled in his first full season as a starter, giving up nine sacks and a team-worst 50 total pressures. By the end of the season, he had been benched in favor of Cole Van Lanen, who proved to be much better suited to protect Trevor Lawrence's blind side.
Unfortunately, Van Lanen suffered a knee injury late in 2025, and Little returned to the lineup. While the Jaguars expect Van Lanen to be back for training camp, he may need a bit more time to be 100 percent. If he isn't ready to go, Little could get the starting nod come Week 1. That may not be ideal based on how things played out in 2025.
Granted, there's a chance that Van Lanen will be ready. Similarly, Little could bounce back and may be able to hold the fort if needed. But for the time being, left tackle appears to be a question mark.
