The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost four consecutive games in 2021 but have made things interesting in the last two weeks. In the end, the Jags couldn’t close the deal and fell short in both instances but they should feel good about their chances in Week 5.
The Tennesse Titans currently lead the AFC South with a 2-2 record. They are favored to win their Week 5 matchup by four points but don’t look great on paper. They’re coming off a loss to a New York team that had lost three consecutive games. Keep in mind that the Jets, just like the Jaguars, are in the early stages of a rebuild, so the Titans could lose to teams that were previously winless in back-to-back weeks.
Don’t be surprised if the Jags pull off the upset in Week 5. To do that, here are three keys to winning the game.
1. The Jacksonville Jaguars must stop Derrick Henry.
As important as quarterback Ryan Tannehill is for the Titans, the offense runs through running back Derrick Henry and his ability to wear down opposing defenses. Through four games in 2021, he’s averaged 127 yards per game and has had three straight 100-yard performances. The only reason he didn’t go over 100 rushing yards in the season opener was that he “only” got 17 carries.
Henry will likely get a big workload in Week 5. The Jaguars will have to stop him without compromising their pass defense. Defensive coordinator Joe Cullen will have to craft a balanced game plan to stop the All-Pro running back and prevent Tannehill from tearing the secondary apart.
2. The Jaguars defense needs to also stop Ryan Tannehill.
The Jaguars’ defense has done a good job of containing opposing offenses in the first half in recent weeks. However, they end up breaking in the second half. Although it’s not entirely their fault, they need to play a complete game against the Titans.
It will be key to stop Derrick Henry but devoting too much attention to him could backfire, as quarterback Ryan Tannehill could have plenty of time to throw the ball. The Jaguars need to pressure him often and force him into making mistakes. Working in their favor is the fact that the Titans’ offensive line has allowed a staggering 17 sacks this season. Also, offensive tackle Taylor Lewan has been listed as questionable for the game with a toe injury. Although he’s had a relatively bad year, not having him would be a blow for Tennesse.
The Titans will also be without wide receiver Julio Jones, who has already been ruled out for the game. That could give the Jags a slight edge and help them focus on A.J. Brown. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin will probably be asked to travel with him. The 2019 Pro Bowl nod hasn’t allowed a touchdown reception in 2021 and should be able to win one-on-one matchups against Brown.
Also, the Jaguars’ defense must force at least one turnover. They need to give the offense as many opportunities as they can to score.
3. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense must take advantage of the matchup.
The Jaguars’ defense needs to stop the Titans’ offense but it won’t matter much if the offense can’t score points. Back in Week 2, they held the Denver Broncos to seven points for a good chunk of the first half but the offense didn’t do its part. They ended up giving up their narrow lead and were eventually outscored.
The Jags will be without wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. but they should be able to make up for his absence. Marvin Jones Jr. has been solid in 2021, hauling in a team-high 20 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Laviska Shenault Jr. will see his role on offense increase and tight end Dan Arnold should also get more snaps after making the most of his playing time in Wee 4.
Running back James Robinson should also get a big workload. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, he got 18 carries, he should get a few more in Week 5. He’s averaging five yards per carry and should have success running the ball against a Titans’ defense that ranks eighth in rushing yards but 23rd in rushing touchdowns.
The Titans are averaging two sacks per game in 2021, the Jaguars’ offensive line will also have to slow down their pass rush and give quarterback Trevor Lawrence a clean pocket. If the rookie passer can avoid making mistakes and keep the number of turnovers at a minimum, the Jaguars should come away with their first victory of the season and avoid making NFL history for the wrong reasons.