Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans: A Clash of Struggles
The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon in an AFC South showdown at EverBank Stadium. Both teams are having a tough season, already eliminated from playoff contention, which raises questions about their motivation. The Jaguars recently emerged victorious in their first meeting of the season, winning 10-6 on December 8th. Back at home, they will aim to harness that success and build momentum. Historically, the Jaguars have had the upper hand, winning four of their last five matchups against the Titans.
Curious about the outcome? Read on for insights into the Titans vs. Jaguars matchup.
Tennessee Titans: A Season of Disappointment
The Titans’ season took a downward turn after a disappointing loss in their opener against the Bears, setting the tone for what has become a challenging campaign. With a record of 3-12, they are now focused on the upcoming draft rather than salvaging the remaining games. Their lack of competitiveness was evident in their previous encounter with Jacksonville, where they struggled to make an impact.
Injuries continue to plague Tennessee, particularly on special teams with kicker Nick Folk sidelined. The offense faces additional challenges, especially with running back Tony Pollard listed as questionable. Missing depth at wide receiver compounds their struggles, making it hard for them to advance the ball.
Quarterback play remains a significant concern. Mason Rudolph, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in a recent loss to New England, has not proven to be the solution. The offensive line has allowed 47 sacks throughout the season, with a staggering 40 of those occurring during Will Levis’s time as the starter. Levis’s performance has been inconsistent, with 12 interceptions and two lost fumbles.
Despite the struggles on offense, Tennessee’s defense has shown resilience this season, ranking among the top five in several key categories. Their defensive prowess has kept them competitive in many games, as demonstrated in their first clash with the Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Looking Forward
Injuries have hindered Jacksonville’s performance this season, notably affecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is currently in concussion protocol. As a result, the team has struggled to find consistency, particularly on offense.
In their previous meeting with the Titans, the Jaguars relied heavily on their running game, which may be key again in this rematch. With Tank Bigsby taking on a more significant role, they hope to sustain drives and maintain offensive momentum. Quarterback Mac Jones’s effectiveness will be tested against Tennessee’s strong defense.
After a narrow loss to Las Vegas, the Jaguars are now in a position to secure a top draft pick, potentially landing a selection in the top three. While their roster may need rebuilding, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has shown promise, recording 27 catches for 323 yards over the past three weeks.