The Jaguars' defense has gradually implemented more 3-4 alignments since the start of training camp, and it's now appearing as though the gradual shift will be considerably quickened. In a pair of telling transactions, it opted against signing a replacement defensive lineman after placing starting DE Reggie Hayward (leg) on injured reserve, elevating practice-squad CB Kennard Cox to the 53-man roster instead. Much of the impetus for the shift was due to the inability of touted DEs Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves to show much pass-rushing promise as rookies in 2008. Since then, Groves has spent the bulk of his time at outside linebacker. Harvey is seen as versatile enough to handle DE or OLB work in the 3-4. Furthermore, DT Rob Meier's season-ending injury and the obvious growing pains of raw rookie DT Terrence Knighton have helped convince the coaches that fighting a natural evolution isn't prudent.

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