JACKSONVILLE – Andre Cisco's confidence remains strong.

That's true for Cisco personally. It's also true regarding the Jaguars' hopes for the 2022 season. Yes, the Jaguars are 3-7 with six losses in the past seven games.

But Cisco said that hasn't affected the players' approach.

"The confidence comes from within," Cisco said as the Jaguars prepared to play the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at TIAA Bank Field Sunday at 1 p.m. "We've got so much love and appreciation for each other that we know we're capable of turning this around at any moment.

"We're not giving up on us and we're not listening to any outside noise, either. Keeping it close and keeping it tight has been our strength."

Cisco, a third-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft, joined senior writer John Oehser for this Week 12 2022 O-Zone Podcast. He addressed multiple topics, including maintaining confidence personally as he matures and grows in the NFL.

Cisco started the final three games of his rookie season and moved into starting lineup entering this season.

"It was an opportunity to learn behind the scenes," he said. "Not every rookie is ready in that aspect, so I got to do it a different way. I learned a ton last year. I had good mindset going into OTAs [the NFL offseason] and I've been able to carry it out.

"I'd say I'm light years ahead of where I was a year ago in terms of mentality and understanding what it takes. I'd say my confidence was up and down through my rookie season. It's tough being on the bench, and you're in the NFL. Guys are better and you're trying to make sure you're one of them. I had some lessons I had to learn.

"Even this year, I've had some ups and downs. That comes with the game. You have to make plays to remember you can make plays. You want to stay as steady as possible."

Cisco, who leads the Jaguars with three interceptions this season – with one returned for a touchdown – said he sees himself as a "much-improved player" from even the one who started Week 1 this season.

"Finishing each game was the one thing I think I needed to learn," he said. "You can't let up in the NFL. Every hole in the defense, offenses will catch up on it. It's been a lot of learning lessons.

"From now until Week 1, I feel like a year ahead honestly."

Listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Cisco below, and click HERE to view other O-Zone Podcast episodes