Andy Reid on Jaguars defensive unit: 'That defense looks powerful, fast, explosive'

Andy Reid fielded questions about the vaunted Jacksonville defense this week. What did he have to say?

The Jacksonville Jaguars will kickoff their 2019 season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in one of week one's most intriguing match ups. The game is so interesting on paper largely because it gives people a chance to see two units that are expected to be among the best in the NFL clash against each other.

The Chief's offense is led quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the reigning NFL MVP. Last year the offense led the NFL in points per game (35.3) and yards per game (425.6). Meanwhile, the stingy Jacksonville Jaguars defense was tied for fourth in points allowed per game (19.8) and was fifth in yards per game allowed (311.4).

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told Jacksonville media Wednesday the Jaguars defense will pose a great test for his team in week one, largely because of the manner they attack offenses in.

"That defense looks powerful, fast, explosive. They’ve got a good defensive coordinator and a good scheme," Reid said. "They have the ability to play man coverage which they’re good at. And they have the ability to jump into zone coverages, which they are very sound on."

One matchup between the two elite units that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike will between Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash implied a few weeks ago Ramsey would be deployed all around the field to shadow Hill, a testament to the threat he poses to defenses.

Reid said after seeing Ramsey shadow Hill and do a good job last season, he is not surprised to likely see it again. In fact, he almost sounded excited about it.

"(Jalen Ramsey) is a great player. A great one," Reid said. "So you have two great players going against each other, and that’s what it’s all about."

Another wrinkle Reid will have to prepare Mahomes and the rest of his offense for is the fact the Jaguars defense showed multiple looks throughout the preseason. Instead of their standard 4-3 scheme, the team deployed a 3-4 at times, especially against the Miami Dolphins.

One possible reason for the new looks could be the addition of veteran defensive coach Dom Capers as a senior defensive assistant earlier this year. Reid said if this is the case, then you can already see some of his fingerprints on the defense.

"They looked good against Miami," Reid said. "You can see some of Dom’s stuff in there. He’s a great football coach and I’m sure they’re very glad to have him there. ... we have to be ready for all that and make sure we have all the bases covered."