5 Storylines to Watch: Jaguars vs. Titans
It may be a short week, but the Jacksonville Jaguars, behind an improved defense, look to beat their rivals, the Tennessee Titans.
In his first start for the Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterback Cody Kessler — with the help from his defense — pulled off a devastating blow to the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff hopes. It also ended a seven-game losing streak.
This week, the visiting team will have a chance to get revenge against the Tennessee Titans, who beat them 9-6 in week three, and deliver another shocker to playoff hopefuls. This rivalry is one of the uglier matchups on Jacksonville’s schedule.
Fans of the Black and Teal should be mindful of these storylines during the Jaguars’ only primetime game this season.
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Fournette Back – After serving his one-game suspension, Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette is back for a Jaguars offense that needs some form of an offensive spark.
Despite the win, the team only mustered 211 offensive yards, with only 79 on the ground. In his three games back, Fournette has gained 243 rushing yards, 115 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns.
His improvement from freshman to sophomore year is evident. In order for the Jaguars’ offense and Kessler to move the ball, Fournette will need to establish the run game.
Get Kessler Going – Now the starting quarterback for the Jaguars, Kessler’s first start was unexciting but enough, throwing for 150 yards and no turnovers.
New offensive coordinator Scott Milanovich will need to incorporate more screen passes and short passes for Kessler to get him and the offense going against a stout Titans defense.
Repeat Performance – The stout Jacksonville defense played out of their minds last week against the Colts, forcing two turnovers, three sacks, and multiple fourth down stops, all resulting in a shutout. This week, the team takes on the 28th worst offense in the league in the Titans.
Stopping the running back tandem of Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry should be the Jaguars’ number one priority. Jaguars cornerbacks match up well against the Titans’ lackluster crop of receivers. Get stops on first and second down, and force the Titans into uncomfortable third and longs.
Contain Mariota
While he has drawn many skeptics this season, Marcus Mariota remains the most dangerous weapon on the Titans’ offense. His dual-threat ability has proven to be trouble for the Jaguars, so limiting his effectiveness on the ground should be high on the Jaguars’ wish list.
Keep Mariota in the pocket, and the game will be much easier for a turnover-hungry defense.
End Their Playoff Hopes
The Titans have a slim chance to make the playoffs, but they’re still in contention, so the Jaguars will look to play spoiler.
A road win against a divisional opponent on national TV will be huge for the Jaguars’ momentum and crushing to whatever the Titans have left. Should be a defensive sug matchup, right up Jacksonville’s alley.