Jaguars' Historic Run Defense: First Since 1970 Merger to Shut Down 40-Yard Rushers

As the 2026 NFL season hits its stride in mid-October, the Jacksonville Jaguars have quietly assembled a run defense for the ages. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, through five games, the Jaguars have yet to allow a single opposing player to rush for 40 or more yards in a game. The closest any back has come was Denver Broncos rookie Jonah Coleman, who managed just 39 yards in Week 2. This remarkable feat makes Jacksonville the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to achieve such a milestone in the first five games of a season. The last team to accomplish this was the 1969 Dallas Cowboys, a squad that went on to win 11 games and reach the playoffs. Now, the Jaguars are etching their own name into the record books.

A Defense Built on Dominance

The numbers are staggering. Opposing running backs have carried the ball 83 times for a mere 210 yards against Jacksonville this season, averaging an anemic 2.5 yards per carry. That mark leads the NFL by a wide margin. For context, the league average is around 4.3 yards per carry, making the Jaguars' run defense nearly two yards better per attempt than the typical unit. This dominance isn't a fluke; it's a culmination of scheme, talent, and execution. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell has crafted a front seven that swarms to the ball, led by linebackers Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd, who consistently plug gaps and chase down ball carriers. The defensive line, anchored by Josh Allen and Travon Walker, has been equally disruptive, winning the line of scrimmage and forcing runners to bounce outside where speed awaits.

Extending the Streak

What's more, the Jaguars' run defense has been elite for over a full season. Including last year's playoff game, Jacksonville has now gone 23 consecutive games without allowing a 75-yard rusher. The last player to eclipse that mark was Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who rumbled for 74 yards in a game last season. That's a testament to the consistency and discipline instilled in this defense. As highlighted on Vulius, the Jaguars have transformed from a middling run defense in 2025 to an impenetrable wall in 2026. Head coach Doug Pederson praised his team's effort: 'Our guys take pride in stopping the run. It's a mindset. They embrace the physicality, and it shows every Sunday.'

London Calling: A Chance to Extend History

This Sunday, the Jaguars will head across the pond to London to face the Houston Texans, a team struggling mightily on the ground. The Texans rank 31st in the league with just 395 rushing yards this season, averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry. With their anemic run game, Houston seems unlikely to break Jacksonville's streak. However, in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. The Texans will likely lean on their passing attack, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, to move the ball. But if the Jaguars can continue their dominance, they'll not only secure a win but also add another chapter to their historic start. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, this Jaguars defense is playing with a chip on its shoulder, and opposing running backs are feeling the pain.

The Bigger Picture

While the Jaguars' run defense has been stellar, questions remain about their overall team success. At 3-2, Jacksonville sits atop the AFC South, but their offense has been inconsistent. If the defense continues to suffocate opposing rushing attacks, it could propel the Jaguars deep into the playoffs. For now, fans in Duval and beyond are witnessing something special: a run defense that hasn't been seen in over five decades. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Jacksonville to see if they can maintain this historic pace. One thing is certain: running against the Jaguars is a futile endeavor, and offensive coordinators around the league are taking notice.