Five Jacksonville Jaguars who must shine to upset Titans in Week 5

Jacksonville Jaguars player who must shine No. 4 – Josh Allen

Defensive end Dawuane Smoot is leading the Jaguars in pressures but make no mistake, Josh Allen is the Jaguars’ best pass rusher. Jacksonville will need all 11 defensive players to stop Titans running back Derrick Henry but Allen in particular has to have a great game and needs to make a few big plays. The Jags’ defense hasn’t registered a forced fumble in 2021. Having one against Tennessee would be huge.

In four games this season, Allen has logged 11 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, and two sacks. He’s also registered nine pressures. Meanwhile, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 17 times this season. The Jaguars need to pressure him early and often.

As defensive coordinator Joe Cullen recently told the local media, pressuring the quarterback is more than just sacks. Having good coverage makes him hold the ball longer. Also, pressuring the passer, even if you don’t get to him, disrupts his rhythm. On the other hand, sacks are an important part of a defense’s performance and not just flashy plays. They can kill momentum, and stop offenses from moving forward and instead lose yardage.

The Jags have registered just one sack in the last two games after logging four in the first two. That has to change against the Titans, and Allen must lead the way.