Division rivalries are the norm in the NFL, and there's no team in the AFC South that the Jacksonville Jaguars arguably despise more than the Tennessee Titans. That's why they must feel great about beating them 20-13 in Week 17. What makes the victory even sweeter is the fact that the Jags helped them achieve a dubious feat.
With a loss at EverBank Stadium, the Titans became the first NFL club to fail to cover the spread in 14 games in the Super Bowl era. At 2-14, they secured the worst records against the spread since 1978, when the league went to a 16-game slate, per David Payne Purdum of ESPN.
The Tennessee Titans made history today. become the only team in the Super Bowl era to fail to cover the spread in 14 games during a season.
— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) December 29, 2024
At 2-14 ATS, the Titans secured the worst record against the spread of any team since 1978, when the league went to a 16-game slate. [h/t…
If that wasn't enough, the Jags are now 5-1 against Tennessee in the Doug Pederson era. Couple that with the fact that they swept them for the second time in two years, and nobody would blame the team if they were smoking cigars in the locker room after the game.
Jacksonville defeated Tennessee, 20-13, securing the series sweep this season. Today's game marked the Jaguars’ 26th win over the Titans, their most against any single opponent in franchise history. Jacksonville is 5-1 against Tennessee under Head Coach Doug Pederson.
— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) December 29, 2024
Granted, Jacksonville has been underwhelming this season. A 4-12 record is most definitely not a reason for celebration, but the win over the Titans is most definitely a bright spot, one that could and should incentivize players to beat the Colts in the finale and finish strong.
The win vs. the Titans gives Jaguars players something to celebrate about
Nobody would have blamed the Jacksonville Jaguars if they had lost to the Tennessee Titans, but Doug Pederson is proud of his players for not throwing in the towel even though they could have.
"Proud of the guys, just so happy for them and coaching staff," Pederson told the local media after the win. "The way these guys hang together, they stick together. There's no quit. They keep fighting. I keep telling them, you never know when the plays coming your way, and when it does, just make it."
Pederson continued, "And you saw at the end there, Antonio Johnson made the play and you win the game. So there's a lot of good efforts in this game. The defense created a takeaway, The offense was effective and good in the red zone today. Just a good team win with the way the last two weeks have gone."
Of course, Antonio Johnson wasn't the only player who came through. The win wouldn't have been possible without several strong performances on both sides of the ball.
Mac Jones threw for two touchdowns with no interceptions and moved the chains with his legs. Brian Thomas Jr., for his part, tied Randy Moss for the most games with 60+ yards and at least a touchdown in a season by a rookie. Fellow wide receiver Parker Washington also came through, keeping great focus while trying to stay inside the red zone to reel in a touchdown pass.
The defense also did its part. Aside from making a stand and preventing a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, the group routinely rattled Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph. Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, and Maason Smith all had sacks, while linebacker Devin Lloyd had an interception off a pass defensed by Jordan Jefferson.
Ultimately, winning leaves a pleasant taste, and the Jacksonville Jaguars must be thrilled to watch their Tennessee Titans implode with the offseason around the corner.