The Jacksonville Jaguars' defense is one of the most overhauled units in the NFL, going beyond four new starters, Malik Jackson, Dante Fowler Jr., Tashaun Gipson and Jalen Ramsey. The additions of Myles Jack, Sheldon Day, Yannick Ngakoue and Prince Amukamara add depth that Gus Bradley's unit has never employed.
Facing Aaron Rodgers and one of the most potent offenses in the NFL is a tough first step for a young defense. Yes, the Green Bay Packers' quarterback struggled through a terrible statistical season (for him) in 2015, but gets Jordy Nelson back, Randall Cobb finally healthy and a rejuvenated Eddie Lacy at his disposal.
Facing Rodgers, Nelson and Cobb could be a particularly daunting task for a rookie corner, but first-round pick Jalen Ramsey isn't afraid to get targeted.
"I'm not scared," Ramsey said, via ESPN.com. "Throw my way if you want to."
That's the exact mentality with which any corner, rookie or otherwise, should enter each week. Perhaps Rodgers will test the talented rookie early. Maybe he'll even pick on Ramsey. The rookie can only worry about the play in front of him, or he is already beaten.
"I've been preparing like I would prepare for anyone else," Ramsey said. "We'll see on Sunday. Like I said, they're a really good team. We know that. Everybody knows that so hopefully it'll be a good game and we can go out there and do well."
Slow down Rodgers and Co. and the offseason hype about a Jags resurgence might finally stick after years of being a fleeting mirage.
