The Jacksonville Jaguars are 3-1 and tied for the lead in the AFC South. While a few of us diehard fans saw that coming (okay, maybe not), the success hasn't come on the backs of the players we expected. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. hasn't played well, though he seems to be picking things up a little, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence isn't taking the massive step forward that most of us were hoping for when new head coach Liam Coen arrived.
But success is success, so we're not about to complain, especially when the Jags are only one bad call away from being undefeated. With this in mind, here are a few of the unexpected, surprise contributors on the Jaguars so far.
Related: 3 winners (and 2 losers) from Jaguars' Week 4 win against 49ers
Jaguars surprise No. 1: Jourdan Lewis
Aside from 2021, cornerback Jourdan Lewis has never had more than two interceptions in a season, and he's only met that number one time before (2019). He has already snagged two through four games, and he doesn't look like he's letting up.
Lewis notched a personal best 11 passes defensed in 2021, and he's already at six this year. He's on track to break his single-season tackling record—both solo and assists—and was chosen as a team captain for the first time in his career.
Needless to say, Lewis has been a key player in the Jaguars' success so far this year. He plays with tenacity and physicality, lifting the players around him. He looks to be one of the key free agent acquisitions from new general manager James Gladstone. Plus, he may have come up with the best nickname for the Jags' defense.
Jaguars surprise No. 2: Dennis Gardeck
It was hard to leave linebackers Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun off this list, though the focus here is on surprises. Careful observers would have noted Lloyd was poised for a breakout year, and Oluokun has played lights out his entire career, so their performances are not quite as surprising as seeing fellow linebacker Dennis Gardeck's level of play so far.
Gardeck came into the league as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. While he's played well throughout his eight years in the NFL, like Lewis, Gardeck is already on track to break every single one of his previous single-season records. He's latched onto defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's physical mindset. And the takeaways? Gardeck simply says, "It's who we are."
Related:Jaguars enjoy resurgence in NFL Power Rankings after win vs. 49ers
Jaguars surprise No. 3: Parker Washington
Maybe this isn't a surprise if you paid close attention during training camp, where wide receiver Parker Washington might have had the best showing of any wide receiver. His play was a big reason the Jaguars were comfortable trading Christian Kirk.
Now, Washington is proving his worth, with 110 yards through four games and an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown. He's electric and consistent on a team that seems to be struggling with wide receivers.
PARKER WASHINGTON 87-YARD PUNT RETURN TD 🐆
📺FOX pic.twitter.com/qBh9JuGW7O
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 28, 2025
Final thoughts
The Jaguars have their biggest challenge of the year coming Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to the season, I would have thought this game—if they were even considered to be contenders—would have been a shootout with Thomas and rookie receiver Travis Hunter needed to step up.
Now? I'm hoping for a fifth consecutive three or more takeaway game from the defense and a little bit of flash from some unsung and surprising contributors on the roster.
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