Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson said 41-7 rout over Titans ‘is the standard’
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense continued to force turnovers, with Antonio Johnson taking an interception back for a touchdown against Tennessee.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has seen contributions from a variety of players this season.Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen noted the team’s success is a collective effort, not reliant on one player.Third-year safety Antonio Johnson has become a key contributor, highlighted by a pick-six against the Titans.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen cut himself off as he was answering a question, because what he said next was important.
“I don’t have to have the best game to have a win like this or to win games because other guys are having their moments as well,” he said.
For years, Hines-Allen has been counted on as one of the players who had to play big for the team to win big. In 2021, Hines-Allen was the featured player in a game against Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
He had eight tackles, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. The Jaguars won 9-6.
In the team’s 41-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans to win the AFC South on Sunday, Hines-Allen had just two total tackles and three tackles for loss. He had his moments, but other players overshadowed him.
It doesn’t just have to be him, and regardless of who’s on the field, they’re liable to make a play — at least this season, they are.
“I can continue to do what I do, but celebrate those guys and celebrate those moments. And when it is my time to go, it’s my time to go,” he added.
One player who stood out amongst a group of standouts on Sunday was third-year safety Antonio Johnson.
In the second quarter, with the team up 14-7, Johnson stepped in front of a Titans QB Brandon Allen pass, picked it off and ran 58 yards for a touchdown, putting the team up 21-7.
It was another example of the team’s depth this season, especially on defense, with a variety of players making key contributions to their 13-win, AFC South-winning season.
“Was it my most impactful game? Probably wasn’t. I did a lot of good things. But to sit back there and watch A.J. get that pick, and for me, what can I do to help? To get a block. Run my butt off to get a block so he can find his way into the end zone so he can have his moment,” said Hines-Allen.
“That’s what we have a collective of guys to do, and that’s what makes our team special.”
Antonio Johnson continues to take advantage of his opportunities
Johnson, drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has had an up-and-down career in Jacksonville.
This season, though, he’s come on as a spot starter and a key contributor on defense.
Johnson is fifth on the team in total tackles with 52. He’s added two sacks, five interceptions (tied for team lead), two tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, one quarterback hit, and a touchdown.
He hasn’t changed anything about himself, either. The team has put him in positions to be successful, and he’s run with it.
“Every time I get an opportunity, I just try to take advantage of it,” Johnson said after the game.
“This year, I’ve just been put in a good position, just go out there, make the plays that come to me, just trust my teammates, my teammates trusting me and we’ve been making plays all year round, all levels on the offense and defense. So, it’s just a testimony of just the team,” he added.
After safety Eric Murray got sidelined due to a neck injury in Week 7, Johnson was tasked with taking over his position. He excelled in his role, starting eight games this season, including five in place of Murray.
Hines-Allen explained that the defense lifted Johnson when he was thrust into the role and the third-year safety only got better as time went on. Veterans on the team, including Hines-Allen, helped lift Johnson when he needed it.
“You’re not going to take a play off or a play here, you’re going to play the whole game, and we need that execution every play. He was a guy who bought into that fully, and you can tell by the plays,” he added.
When Johnson, or any young player, has success on defense, Hines-Allen has taken it as a sort of personal pride. That’s spread to many players and Johnson is just the latest.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said he and general manager James Gladstone were talking about Johnson ahead of the game. His growth, Coen said, has been impressive to see.
“It seems like every week he’s making a big play for us and stepping up in critical moments. You would say that play really kind of took this game into a different direction. I really am proud of Antonio and the way that he’s continued to grow,” Coen said after the game.
Jaguars defense continues to thrive off doing things the right way
Jacksonville’s defense has been one of the best this season. They’ve thrived in multiple areas, including against the run.
This year, Jacksonville’s defense did not allow any 100-yard rushers, and allowed teams to run for 100 or more yards as a whole just five times.
Hines-Allen credits defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton for their force up front.
“I know in the summer I sat up here and said D-Ham is the best nose in the game. I’m going to say it again. D-Ham is the best nose all year I think. He’s the reason why our defense is the best defense at doing that particular job,” Hines-Allen said.
“The easiest thing to do in the National Football League is to turn around and hand the ball off to a running back.”
But what’s really helped the defense this year has started in practice and progressed with confidence throughout the week.
“I think we know we’re on this stretch right now of winning because we’ve been doing it the right way, and it starts in practice. We take practice very seriously on Wednesday all the way to Saturday; those reps that we take are crucial. We’re very serious about it,” Hines-Allen said.
Now, the team is set to host a playoff game for the second time since Hines-Allen has been on the team. But that doesn’t mean the team has to change the way they’ve played throughout the year. It’s just another chance to prove what they can do.
“We have a one-game-a-week mentality, which we’ve always had, but this is the real deal, and we’ve just got to take it up another notch,” Hines-Allen said.
The Jaguars will host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC playoffs next week.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius.
If you’re a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider becoming a subscriber to support local journalism in Northeast Florida.