Big Cat Country previews the Jaguars’ Week 4 matchup against the 49ers.
Welcome to Big Cat Country’s staff roundtable!
Today, we’re previewing Week 4’s matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
What has surprised you most about the Jaguars so far this season?
Dillon Appleman: The obvious answer here is the struggles of Brian Thomas Jr., but I’m honestly more surprised at how the defense has performed under a first-year DC in Anthony Campanille. The unit was horrendous last year, so improvement was a low bar heading into the season, but this defense has legitimately been terrific through three games. Can’t say enough good things about coach Camp.
Travis Holmes: On the positive side of things, I’ve been most impressed by the play of this offensive line. The team may be coming off its worst rushing performance of 2025, yet they found a way to establish the run in the second half after struggling early against Houston’s five-man front. On the not-so-good side of things, I’ve been shocked at the play of the special teams return units so far. The Jaguars rank 28th in yards per kick return (22.6) and 25th in yards per punt return (8.6); those averages are each 3 full yards lower than last year.
Gus Logue: The defensive coordinator has surprised me for a second straight season — in a good way, this time. Anthony Campanile’s unit already has more takeaways through three games (9) than Ryan Nielsen’s had all last year (8). When the turnovers eventually diminish, it won’t unveil a fraudulent defense. This group is legit, and Camp is cooking up stunt games, blitz packages, disguised coverages, simulated pressures, you name it. The 2025 defense could be the team’s best since Sacksonville.
What’s a matchup you’re looking forward to watching?
Dillon: Josh Hines-Allen vs. Trent Williams is about to be a heavyweight fight. JHA is off to an incredible start to the season, and Williams is still a top-five tackle in the NFL today. Allen is just 1.5 sacks away from being the all-time leader in Jags history — I’m sure he would love to accomplish that feat against a player like Williams.
Travis: Ricky Pearsall versus Tyson Campbell. The Jaguars have faced a trio of really good receivers over the first three games, who all had good to outright elite days despite subpar quarterback play. While the expectation is always that certain receivers will win their share of the battles, that expectation should also be shared for cornerbacks, and Campbell bounced back against Nico Collins in week 3. Christian McCaffrey will no doubt get his explosives on the ground and through the air. But this game will likely come down to whether Jacksonville can limit or erase San Francisco’s secondary threats. That starts with Campbell against Pearsall, the 49ers’ leading receiver with 281 yards in three games.
Gus: Trevor Lawrence against San Francisco’s pass rush. With Nick Bosa (knee) out of the picture, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh figures to send extra bodies more often. Lawrence should have several chances to make the Niners pay when they don’t have a numbers advantage in coverage. Among 30 passers with 5+ downfield attempts this season, Lawrence joins Michael Penix Jr. as the only ones without a completion, so hopefully the deep ball will emerge for Jacksonville on Sunday.
Who will be the biggest X-factor?
Dillon: Christian McCaffrey. With the Niners down a handful of offensive weapons (George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, potentially Jauan Jennings), they’re going to lean heavily on their star back on Sunday. If he has a big day, it’s going to be tough for the Jags to pull out a win in San Francisco.
Travis: Rookie defensive end Mykel Williams versus Jacksonville’s offensive line. While we know All-Pro edge Nick Bosa won’t be suiting up on Sunday after his week 3 injury, many might have missed just how the 49ers used Williams in Bosa’s absence. He played 35 downs as an edge and eight as a defensive tackle or nose tackle, via PFF. Williams ended the day with six quarterback pressures, leading all 2025 rookies, and two third-down run stops against Arizona. Right tackle Anton Harrison and right guard Patrick Mekari will primarily be tasked with keeping the rookie away from Trevor Lawrence.
Gus: I’ll go with Devin Lloyd. He ranks third among linebackers in PFF grade this season (90.2) but Kyle Shanahan is notorious for posing problems against that position. It’d go a long way towards a Jaguars W if Lloyd can continue making plays in the middle of the field. I’m also interested to see 49ers WR Demarcus Robinson now that he’s served his three-game suspension; he could have a sizable role on Sunday.
Final score prediction?
Dillon: Jaguars 30, Niners 20
Travis: Jaguars 17, Niners 16
Gus: Jaguars 27, Niners 28
What are your Week 4 predictions, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!
Category: General Sports
