Jacksonville’s sack leader faces a pivotal season as analysts weigh his Canton credentials. Achieving legendary status hinges on playoff dominance and transforming the Jaguars into perennial contenders.
With all of the talk centered around the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive production last season and during training camp, don't count out Anthony Campanile and his defensive unit either.
Losing Devin Lloyd in free agency stings, but this defense is full of speed and youth on the backline, along with seasoned veteran play in the trenches.
Joshua Hines-Allen, Jacksonville's all-time sack leader, spearheads the attack on the edge of the defensive line, coming off his fifth straight season with seven or more sacks.
On Thursday, ESPN's Bill Barnwell listed his pick for the most likely player on each NFL squad to become a Hall of Famer, with Hines-Allen and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the "work to do" category.
For both players, the talent level rivals Hall-of-Fame pedigree, but its time to put some pelts on the wall.
Playoff production and ultimately, a Super Bowl, will be the quickest way for these two players to cement their legacies, bringing the elusive championship to Duval and becoming legends.
For Hines-Allen, his focus has been on growth, as he has continued to be the leader of Campanile's defense.
"I think we got to come in with the expectations of, you know, this is a business at the end of the day," Hines-Allen said following the first day of spring OTAs. "And if you come in complacent, then things are not going to end well for you."
This idea of shedding off last year's success has been a common theme for players and head coach Liam Coen, who believes this team has another level it can get too.
Last season, Jacksonville had the best run defense in the league, allowing 85.6 yards per game. But Hines-Allen has his sights set on a new mark.
After being asked what was next for the Jags' defensive line unit, the team captain responded, "Lead the league in sacks."
Entering his eighth season in Duval, Hines-Allen is one of the longest-tenured players on the defense. He talked about being a veteran presence for No. 1 pick Travon Walker and setting high expectations for his young counterpart.
"That's a guy that, you know, as soon as he came in, we locked in and we became brothers," Hines-Allen said. "And, you know, fierce competitors as well. He pushes me every single day and I try to do the same thing as well. We want the best for each other and we want to be the best duo in the National Football League."
Hines-Allen credited Walker for his professionalism, saying he is well-deserving of his recent four-year extension worth an estimated $110 million.
While the Hall-of-Fame call remains farsighted for Hines-Allen, his production continues to be amongst the top of the league.
If he can continue to transform the Jaguars into perennial contender status, a path to Canton will grow more feasible.
