3 stats that defined the Jaguars’ dominant win vs. the Titans in Week 14

Achieving success isn’t easy. It takes time, hard work, patience, and persistence regardless of the goal you want to attain. Moreover, you will have setbacks along the way and there’s nothing you can do but take it in stride and get back on track. The Jacksonville Jaguars understand that, which is why they didn’t fret when they lost to the Detroit Lions in Week 13 and were able to bounce back against the Tennessee Titans.

The Jags were underdogs for the game and not many analysts thought they would be able to beat their division foes (guilty as charged). However, they came to Nashville and pulled no punches. Once they built a lead, they never look back and won 36-22.

It wasn’t a fluke either, the Jaguars were the better team for most of the game and dominated in all three phases of the game. With that in mind, here are three outstanding stats from the Jaguars’ win over the Tennessee Titans.

3. The Jaguars neutralized Titans RB Derrick Henry in the 2nd half

If there’s one club running back Derrick Henry surely loves to play against is the Jaguars and why wouldn’t he? He’s faced their division rivals 12 times throughout his NFL career and has logged 230 carries for 1,264 yards with 15 touchdowns in 12 games.

With that kind of success, the player known as King Henry surely looks forward to playing the Jags every season. In fact, the last time he had less than 100 yards against them was back in 2020 and he got off to a strong start against the Jags, toting the rock 11 times for 96 carries and one touchdown in the first quarter alone.

The Jaguars seemingly had no answer for Henry but linebacker Shaquille Quarterman had enough of him and put a stop to his reign of terror in the second quarter.

Although Henry was still able to finish the first half with 119, the Jacksonville defense stymied him in the second, limiting him to a measly TWO yards. You could make the case that he still ran over 100 rushing yards but it’s noteworthy that the Jags found a way to neutralize his impact, which is why the Titans’ offense managed to score just eight points in the last 30 minutes of the game.

2. The Jaguars forced 4 turnovers and 3 sacks vs. the Titans

The Jaguars’ defense had a strong start to the 2022 season, registering nine takeaways and nine sacks in the first four games. But the unit proceeded to cool down and had struggled against both the pass and the run in recent weeks, which made defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell the subject of criticism.

After allowing 40 points to the Lions in Week 13, it was fair to ask if Caldwell was the right man to lead the Jags beyond 2022. Whether he was legitimate on the hot seat is open to speculation but he responded with a dominant performance against the Titans. Sure, the players are the ones that took the field but he put them in a position to succeed, so it’s only fair that he gets praise for their dominant performance in Week 14.

Caldwell chose to mix things up and had outside linebacker Travon Walker line up in a three-point stance. The decision paid off and the Georgia Bulldog had a breakout performance. Moreover, his presence helped other Jaguars make plays.

But Walker wasn’t the only Jaguars defender that made a big play. Safety Andre Cisco also had a pick and linebacker Shaquille Quarterback dislodged the football from Derrick Henry. Later in the game, Henry fumbled once again during an exchange with Ryan Tannehill and defensive end Arden Key wasted no time scooping it.

Speaking of Key, he was one of four Jaguars that registered a sack. The other two were outside linebacker Josh Allen, Travon Walker, and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi. Hats off to Mike Caldwell and the Jaguars’ defense.

2. The Jaguars O-Line didn’t give up a sack for the 6th time in 2022

It’s hard to just credit one player or a coach for the Jaguars’ dismantling of the Titans. Trevor Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson will probably get the most recognition. Travon Walker will also get praise for his forced fumble but the outstanding play of the offensive line shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Week 14 marked the sixth time the Jags didn’t give up a single sack. That’s the most by a team this season and the offensive line deserves tons of credit. After all, it was deemed one of their biggest weakness before the start of the 2022 season but it seems like signing Brandon Scherff, bringing back Cam Robinson, and drafting Luke Forter has paid off. While all of them have struggled at times, they’re a big reason Lawrence has made a leap in Year 2.

Also, re-signing Tyler Shatley has proven to be a low-key solid addition. Projected to take Brandon Linder’s spot at center, Shatley is instead the starting left guard following a season-ending injury to incumbent Ben Bartch.

Right tackle Jawaan Taylor has also shown tremendous progress in 2022. The former Florida Gator had previously struggled with penalties but he’s managed to just keep them under control and has been flagged five times this season.

The offensive line did their job on a day in which Trevor Lawrence set highs and the fact that they once again kept this jersey clean deserves to be brought up.