The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense is going to present the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense with a unique and difficult challenge in Monday Night’s game.

Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs have one of the most aggressive defenses in the NFL, blitzing on 33% of their defensive snaps–the seventh-highest rate this season.

Advertisement

But it’s not only the rate at which the Chiefs send pressure that’s the challenge; it’s the way in which they do it.

Spagnuolo may send one blitzer, he may send two, or he may send just about everyone. And where those pressures are coming from will vary from play to play.

Adding to the confusion for an offense is the late movement by the defense that takes place. What Lawrence sees when under center vs. when he’s at the top of his drop could look completely different.

“He definitely puts a lot of pressure on you as an offense, as a play caller, your quarterback to be able to see it pre-snap,” Liam Coen said of Spagnuolo. “What’s the picture going to be post snap? Zero checks, right? You’ve got to be ready at all times, and it could be back-to-back-to-back, and he zeroed me like three times in a row last year at one point.”

Advertisement

What can help the Jaguars mitigate the potential impact of these pressures is getting the run game going, which opponents of the Chiefs have been able to do at times, averaging 4.9 yards per rush.

Coen’s usage of pre-snap motion, which can force the defense to make late adjustments, thus allowing the offense to be the one doing the dictating, could be an important element, along with the quick passing game.

However, when it comes to handling those blitzes, a lot of the responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Trevor Lawrence. This includes making the correct pre-snap reads and calls, and then knowing exactly where his outlet options are if the play breaks down quickly.

The Jaguars’ offensive line unit has held up incredibly well this season and has been arguably the best when it comes to pass protection. This week’s game, however, will present a much different challenge for them.

Advertisement

“A lot of respect for the position that he puts his players in,” Coen added. “The attacking mindset that they play with. It’s a great opportunity for us this week.”

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars vs. Chiefs: Jacksonville offense faces unique challenge