Healthy, Del Rio believe they can make playoffs

“The pressures and the demands, that’s part of what we do,” Del Rio said. “I enjoy it. I love that part of it. It becomes a little more enjoyable when you know that you’re getting closer to being on equal footing.” The Jaguars believe they’re finally there, having replaced 15 of 22 starters over the last three seasons. The most significant changes came on defense, where the Jaguars ranked 28th in the league last season and allowed a franchise record 419 points.

How the revamped unit performs will determine whether Jacksonville can overtake perennial power Indianapolis in the AFC South — and save Del Rio’s job.
“We can be the best defense in the league with the talent we have,” defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said.
The Jaguars certainly have upgraded every position on that side of the ball. They signed linebackers Paul Posluszny and Clint Session, safety Dawan Landry, end Matt Roth and nickel back Drew Coleman. With the return of Kampman (knee) and tackle D’Anthony Smith (Achilles tendon) from injuries, the Jaguars are confident they will see a defensive turnaround in 2011.

Kampman tore the anterior collateral ligament in his right knee midway through last season. He tore the same ligament in his left knee the year before, meaning the 31-year-old defender hasn’t made it through a full season since 2008.
The Jaguars responded by limiting Kampman’s workload in training camp, and they plan to reduce his repetitions in the regular season.
“I’ve always loved to just be a guy that never comes off the field,” Kampman said. “The reality is if it helps our team, if I’m fresher and able to mount a better rush in crucial situations, then absolutely I think it’s a wise move. I’ll trust the coaching staff and our guys that make those decisions, our medical staff to know what is best.”
Jacksonville has taken a similar approach with Jones-Drew, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in January. Jones-Drew played most of last season with torn meniscus in his right knee. He learned the severity of the injury during camp, but kept it hidden because he didn’t want opponents taking shots at his knee.

“We’re going to be good on defense,” Del Rio said. “I don’t think there’s any doubt. There’s not anybody here coaching or playing that’s part of our defensive unit that doesn’t think we’re going to be pretty good.”