Defense on pace to set sacks mark

Together, they helped Jacksonville enjoy its second 10-sack performance in seven games and proved the season opener at Houston was no fluke.

“If we want to be in that conversation, then we've got to stay on pace,” Campbell said.

The Jaguars also are in the playoff conversation. They are over .500 after seven games for the first time since 2007 — the team's last postseason appearance — and head into a bye week tied with Tennessee atop the AFC South. They follow a little downtime with consecutive home games against Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jacksonville's defense is a big reason for the resurgence.

Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey (an FSU alum) and A.J. Bouye (UCF) have not given up a touchdown all season. Linebackers Telvin Smith (FSU) and Myles Jack both rank in the league's top 10 in tackles and have increased the unit's speed significantly. And the line is doing the rest, thanks mostly to Campbell.

The former Arizona Cardinals standout signed a four-year $60 million contract in March that included $30 million guaranteed. He's been equal parts menace and mentor, wreaking havoc on opposing linemen and providing guidance for Nkagoue and Fowler. He's among the best free agents in team history, right up there with receiver Keenan McCardell, offensive tackle Leon Searcy and linebacker Paul Posluszny.

Campbell had two sacks Sunday in the team's first shutout since 2006.

“I've never seen a lot of sacks with a team that can't cover well,” first-year Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said. “I really haven't.”

“We've got a good team and good people around us,” Campbell said.