Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Titans who could spell trouble in Week 5

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to slow down these two Titans defenders.

1. Bud Dupree, outside linebacker.

Outside linebacker Bud Dupree was one of the Titans’ most meaningful additions in free agency. The 2015 first-round pick signed a five-year contract worth $82.5 million. However, he’s yet to make an impact in 2021. He hasn’t fully recovered from an ACL injury he suffered last season and didn’t play in the last two weeks. For the year, he’s logged just two total tackles.

That doesn’t mean the Jaguars should take Dupree lightly. He was limited in practice Wednesday but was a full participant on both Thursday and Friday. Jacksonville’s offensive line gave up four sacks in the last two games after allowing just two in the first two. They need to contain Dupree and give quarterback Trevor Lawrence enough time to throw the ball.

2. Kevin Byard, safety.

Safety Kevin Byard hasn’t been nearly as good as he was in 2017, the year he earned a First-Team All-Pro selection, but he’s still pretty productive. The 2016 third-round pick registered one of the Titans’ two turnovers in 2021. The other one was an interception by cornerback Kristian Fulton. Byard’s 76.1 Pro Football Focus overall grade ranks fourth among safeties in the NFL.

In a game in which the Jaguars need to limit turnovers, accounting for Byard will be key. The Titans will try to disguise their coverage in order to confuse Lawrence. The Jags will need to know where the safety is at all times.