Jaguars Defense's Top Priority is Improving Communication Ahead of Preseason Week 2

Aug 12, 2025 at 04:37 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

JACKSONVILLE – Improvement is a must, and that's happening defensively this week.

Anthony Campanile made that clear Tuesday when speaking to the media following Day 14 practice of 2025 Training Camp. These were his first public comments since Saturday's preseason opener, and his theme was simple.

"We have to do a better job with communication; that's probably the No. 1 thing," he said.

Campanile, in his first season as the Jaguars' defensive coordinator, spoke following an intense, two-hour practice at the Miller Electric Center – and discussed in detail the defense's performance in a 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Stadium Saturday.

The Jaguars' first-team defense allowed a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive on its lone possession Saturday.

"I wanted [the communication] to be better than it was," Campanile said. "But we have new guys out there in a new system. We're working on that. We'll get it right."

Campanile, who said the defensive scheme Saturday featured a "small menu," lauded the defense for playing well against the run in the game. The Steelers rushed 25 times for 66 yards. Campanile also noted an early "three-and-out" possession and a defensive stop to regain possession in the final four minutes.

"That was good to see," he said. "The guys kept competing that way. There are a lot of things to correct, but there definitely were some positives there."

Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on August 12, 2025.

Defensive end Travon Walker on Monday said the Steelers were effective against the Jaguars early with an up-tempo approach. The Jaguars worked on that area Monday with an extended assignment/alignment period.

"A lot of that is communication," Campanile said. "It's getting cleats in the ground, ready to go. The guys have done a great job with that the last two days. We'll be ready for that."

Campanile said communication issues early Saturday were "everywhere," including sideline communication.

"First game preseason, you see stuff like that," Campanile said. "You get better at everything. That's what we're focused on right now. The guys have done a great job of that the last two days. We're working hard and getting that right. They did a lot of good things, too."

👀 Here's a look at Tuesday's practice:

PLAY OF THE DAY

This could have been one of several plays by third-year wide receiver Parker Washington, who continued a strong training camp with multiple notable and long receptions Tuesday. Washington, a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft who is considered the fourth receiver behind Brian Thomas Jr., rookie Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown, caught at least five passes from starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence with perhaps the most impressive a 25-yard contested reception to the two-yard line from about the defense's 30-yard line. Washington also had several intermediate receptions from Lawrence before catching a deep pass in a late-practice, late-game situational drill that might have been a touchdown had the play been live. The Jaguars' front-line starters at this position give them a potentially dangerous trio. Washington's emergence gives them another weapon and he may be forcing his way into a more extended role than expected.

Elite throw + Elite catch 😅 @CPW11_
@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 12, 2025

STANDING OUT

Rookie wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, after alternating between offense and defense during recent practices, practiced solely on defense Tuesday. He participated in 30 snaps, narrowly missing an interception on a spectacular diving attempt near the sidelines. "He's doing a good job," Campanile said. "He's progressing every day. He has done a great job with splitting time on offense and defense. It's a tough task, but he has handled it really, really well."
Rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten had one of his more noticeable practices, running for at least two long gains and running hard through the middle in multiple drills.
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had several intermediate receptions from Lawrence early in practice.
Veteran tight end Johnny Mundt had a nice, diving catch in the red zone in a two-minute situation late in practice, and veteran tight end Hunter Long also had a long reception Tuesday.
Wide receiver Dyami Brown had a long reception from Lawrence to kick off a late-practice unscripted period after having an intermediate reception on a crossing pattern earlier in practice.
Safety Eric Murray had an interception near the sideline late in practice.

Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on August 12, 2025.

INJURY WATCH

Guard Wyatt Milum and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. left a physical practice briefly Tuesday. Remaining out of practice:

Cornerback Tyson Campbell
Rookie linebacker Jalen McLeod (lower body)
Reserve offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen (shoulder)
Rookie safety Caleb Ransaw (lower body)
Cornerback Montaric Brown (lower leg)
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (back)
Second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith remains on the physically unable to perform list to start camp, with his injury undisclosed.

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Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on August 12, 2025.