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Jaguars at Titans: Preview, Predictions and More

By John Sarianides

Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) carrie the ball during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) carrie the ball during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans

The 2-4 Jacksonville Jaguars visit the 3-4 Tennessee Titans tonight in a pivotal AFC South match-up. Both teams are coming off of losses last weekend. The Jaguars played the Oakland Raiders tough in the first half, but Oakland pulled away in the second half. Meanwhile, the Titans lost a shootout to the Indianapolis Colts 34-26.

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Thanks to a busy offseason which saw the Jaguars bring in several new faces, expectations were high in Jacksonville. But once again, Gus Bradley’s team has failed to live up to the expectations.

A big problem for the Jaguars has been consistency. Both the offense and the defense have been inconsistent thus far this season. After a breakout season in 2015, Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have failed to live up to the hype. Couple that with a new look defense that is struggling and you can see why the Jags are 2-4

Conversely, the Tennessee Titans have shown improvement in Mike Mularkey’s first full season as head coach. Despite their 3-4 record, the Titans are much more competitive this season. The offseason addition of running back Demarco Murray is paying dividends and Marcus Mariota has taken the next step in his development.

Defense continues to be an issue at times, but its obvious that the Titans are turning the corner and getting back to respectability.

Here are our three keys to victory for each team.

Jaguars Keys to Victory

1. Get Allen Robinson On Track: Robinson has been a major disappointment this season after a breakout 2015 season. If the Jaguars want to be more consistent on offense, especially their passing game, Robinson needs to get more touches. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson must find a way to get Robinson open and make him Blake Bortles go to guy again. The Jaguars offense will continue to struggle as long as Robinson struggles.

2. Find a Way to Run the Football: The Jaguars need more balance on offense but its hard to achieve balance when you can’t run the football. Jacksonville is 30th in the league in rushing averaging just 76.7 yards per game on the ground. Jacksonville will have a tough time getting the ground game on track tonight against a Titans defense that is only giving up 87 yards a game on the ground. That being said, the Jags must get Chris Ivory and T.J Yeldon on track if they want to be more balanced on offense.

3. Keep Marcus Mariota in the Pocket: The Jaguars cannot allow Marcus Mariota to run around and extend plays out of the pocket. They must keep him in the pocket and force him to hold the ball. Mariota has improved as a pocket passer, but he still has a tendency to force the ball into areas he shouldn’t.

Titans Keys to Victory

1. Get Off to a Good Start Offensively: The Jaguars have been pretty generous on defense thus far this season. They give up big plays like it is their job. Tennessee has an opportunity to get off to a good start tonight on offense so they must capitalize on it. It is imperative that the Titans force the Jaguars to play from behind. Jacksonville has a tendency to get pass happy.

2. Protect the Football: The Titans are a -4 in turnover ratio. They must do a better job of protecting the football. Jacksonville isn’t exactly opportunistic when it comes to generating turnovers, but they are good enough to capitalize on them if the Titans turn the ball over.

3. Limit the Big Plays: Jacksonville has one of the best receiving tandems in the NFL in Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Both can stretch defenses and make big plays. Jacksonville likes to throw the deep ball. The Titans cannot give up big plays. It is a sure fire way to keep Jacksonville in this game.

Odds

Point Spread: Tennessee -3
Money Line: Jacksonville +125, Tennessee -145
Over/Under: 43.5

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Prediction

The Titans are playing much better under Mike Mularkey and it is reflected in their record. Tennessee has already matched their win total from last season and will be looking to pick up their fourth win tonight. I think the Titans will get it done on Thursday. Jacksonville is inconsistent across the board and they haven’t been able to put four good quarters together all season. That won’t change in primetime. I am taking the Titans in this one to win by a touchdown.

Pick Tennessee Titans: 28, Jacksonville Jaguars: 21 

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