Tag: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars X-factors on offense and defense vs. Titans

The Jags will likely need some big contributions from a couple of players who don’t start and DL Dawuane Smoot could be one of those players.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will look to get the season sweep against a Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Both teams are looking to avoid the bottom spot in the AFC South and possibly sneak in as a dark-horse playoff pick.

The Jaguars beat the Titans in the first meeting this season in Week 3 by a score of 20-7. The defense stepped up that night as they would collect nine sacks and limited the Titans’ offense to 4.5 yards per play.

Rivalry games are extremely unpredictable as both teams are familiar with each other. These are times where a player who isn’t particularly a household name can step up a catch the opponent off guard.

The Jaguars will look to get some contributions from players who aren’t exactly the main starters to supply a spark and secure the victory against the Titans.

Here are the Jaguars players who could end up being X-factors in Week 12’s game:

WR Chris Conley

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars wide receiver Chris Conley will be counted on to stretch the Titans defense as the team’s third receiver. Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook was listed with an illness earlier in the week and he missed some time as a result.

Should Westbrook’s snaps be limited in any way, the Jaguars should feel confident in knowing that Conley can handle the load. Conley has fared well in his last four games with 15 receptions for 276 yards and a touchdown.

The Titans defense is ranked No. 20 in the NFL in terms of receiving yards allowed. Conley’s game is highly predicated on big plays as he possesses some serious speed and sits at 17.9 yards per reception. This looks like a game where he can be successful based on not only his skill set but also Westbrook’s limited impact (if not 100%) and the Titans’ questionable secondary.

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Jags vs. Titans: TE Delanie Walker listed amongst notable inactives for Week 12

As expected, Delanie Walker won’t play in Week 12’s game against the Jags.

The Jacksonville Jaguars released their list of inactive players for Week 12’s game against the Titans and offensive lineman Will Richardson surprisingly surfaced as what looks to be a healthy scratch.

Throughout the year, Richardson has shared snaps with guard A.J. Cann and both really haven’t separated themselves from each other. Richardson has a grade of 45.9 (357 snaps), per Pro Football Focus, while Cann has a slightly better grade with a 47.3 (448 snaps). That said, coach Doug Marrone likely felt the difference between the two wasn’t that significant and decided to go with the veteran, who is much more experienced.

As for the Titans, there weren’t really any surprises. Coming off their bye week, only two players were on their final injury report in offensive lineman Kevin Pamphile (knee) and tight end Delanie Walker (ankle), both of whom were doubtful and eventually ruled inactive.

The Titans full list of inactives can be seen below:

Behind Enemy Lines: Week 12 Q&A with Titans Wire

Jags Wire managing editor Jame Johnson chopped it with Titans Wire managing editor Crissy Froyd about Thursday night’s Week 12 battle.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans will be taking the field for yet another battle in which fans of both fan bases have likely had circled due to the history between both teams. To get a little insight on the current status of the team as they’re coming off their bye week, we did our weekly question exchange with Titans Wire editor Crissy Froyd and here are five burning questions she was kind enough to answer:

Jags Wire: Earlier in the week Doug Marrone praised Ryan Tannehill as an improved player. How has he played since becoming the starter in your eyes? 

Crissy Froyd: Tannehill is very decisive and comfortable in the pocket — two things that Mariota never was. He’s been efficient, but needs to stay consistent. 

JW: The Titans are coming off a bye week which could lead to a playoff push from this point. Who are some key players they got back in the process? 

CF: The Titans overcame a lot of injuries, and tight end Delanie Walker is just one of a few players slowly getting back to full capacity. He was one of two players (alongside OL Kevin Pamphile) still listed as doubtful on this weekend’s injury report.

JW: Aside from a change at quarterback, how has this roster grown since Week 3?

CF: We’re seeing a lot of young receivers step up, and Derrick Henry being put to good use. Henry wasn’t used correctly in the beginning of the season, and that showed. The Jags face a much better put together team this time around.

JW: What would you say has been some of the Titans’ weaknesses throughout the season?

CF: Allowing one big play a game, like Dean Pees said. The Titans have a solid team, but there are things they let slip away from them that cost them the game. Tackling has also been inconsistent at times. 

JW: What are your final score predictions for the game?

CF: The Titans come out on top, 21-17.

Jaguars vs. Titans: 3 players to watch in Week 12’s AFC South battle

Taven Bryan is one of many players who will be key to a Jags victory against the Titans due to his abilities behind the line of scrimmage.

This week the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Nashville to face off against their third consecutive division rival: the Tennessee Titans. After falling to the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts the last two games, the Jags are hoping to turn things around against a Titans team on a hot streak. New quarterback Ryan Tannehill has brought back life into the Titans team and looks to have them back in the playoff hunt.

If Jacksonville has any hope of getting back into the playoff picture, it starts here. Here are some key players to watch in this matchup that may just turn the tide in favor of the teal and black:

Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Center Brandon Linder

Brandon Linder has been a team leader since his early days with the Jags when he was one of the league’s top offensive lineman. Unfortunately, as of the last two seasons, he has been largely inconsistent and doesn’t look like the dominant force we have all come to know. The running game has struggled as of late and penalties have plagued the line all season.

Through the first eight games, Leonard Fournette was on a record pace as a rusher. Since, the back has seen just 19 carries and the offense has similarly struggled to get going. Whether it is the fault of play-calling or execution, the offense needs to get back on its feet and the offensive line is the key. With Jurrell Casey posing a threat on the other side of the line of scrimmage, Linder will need to play his best ball.

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Jaguars vs. Titans: 3 matchups to watch

The Jags will need to win some key matchups Sunday to overtake the Titans and one of them is the battle between Fournette and Rashaan Evans.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) and Tennessee Titans (5-5) will clash for their second time in 2019 with their playoff hopes hanging on by a thread. Needless to say, that means neither team can take a loss in Sunday’s matchup, which will come down to a few key matchups. Here are three we’ll be watching in particular:

Edge rushers Yannick Ngakoue and Josh Allen vs. offensive tackles Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin

While the Jags aren’t quite where they want to be record-wise, fans who like breaking down the film should at least be happy to see this matchup regardless of the outcome. It’s rare to see two tandems of this magnitude duke it out on the edge and I’ve personally been waiting to see this matchup since Josh Allen was selected by the Jags.

In the Jags’ and Titans’ Week 3 meeting, Taylor Lewan was suspended and his absence showed as quarterback Marcus Mariota was sacked nine times. Now he’s back and the playing field is level. With that being the case, it will be interesting to see how Yannick Ngakoue and Allen respond to the tandem as Lewan and Jack Conklin are regarded as one of the NFL’s top bookend duos.

RB Leonard Fournette vs. ILB Rashaan Evans  

Leonard Fournette wants more carries and the Jags want to give him that. That said, if the Jags give him the ball as most suspect he’ll have to deal with the Titans leading tackler in Rashaan Evans. These two are quite familiar with each other after their time in the Southeastern Conference and now the rivalry has followed them to the league due to being selected by the Jags and Titans.

Evans will enter the game with 82 tackles while Fournette will enter the game with 854 rushing yards and one touchdown. As we’ve mentioned in the past, he’s struggled against the Titans. Throughout, four starts against them, he’s garnered 62 carries for 211 yards (good for a 3.4 YPC average) and a touchdown, which is not an impressive stat line. Simply put, that needs to change Sunday if the Jags want to win.

LB Myles Jack vs. RB Derrick Henry

This kind of goes back to what was said in our bold predictions post when I mentioned that Myles Jack is the most criticized player on the Jags’ defense — and rightfully so. He hasn’t played to his contract extension this season and will need to flip the switch quick as he’s played so poorly to the point where many have been wondering if he needs to change positions.

Jack likely understands he’s fallen short of expectations more than anyone and could play with his hair on fire against the Titans. With Derrick Henry expected to lead their offense, he’ll receive ample carries and Jack could make a statement Sunday by holding him in check and acquiring double-digit tackles on the day.

Texans Week 12 rooting guide: Patriots, Ravens must suffer defeat

The Houston Texans have not wrapped up a playoff spot just yet. In order to do so, they need a little help across the NFL in Week 12.

The Houston Texans have a mini-bye going as they took care of the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 on Thursday Night Football at NRG Stadium. With Sunday off, there are still games of interest that help the Texans in their run to the playoffs, or perhaps something greater: playoff seeding. Here are the games of interest and how things need to break to favor the Texans.

early games

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills ⁠— root for Broncos

The Bills are currently the fifth seed if the playoffs were to start today. At 7-3, a loss would drop them to the same record as the Texans. The Bills only need to lose for insurance purposes in case the Texans somehow fail to secure the AFC South and have to enter the playoffs as a wildcard. A win would give the Broncos a 4-7 record, still too far out of the fray to impact Houston’s chances.

 

Oakland Raiders at New York Jets ⁠— root for Jets

If the playoffs were to start today, the Raiders would be the No. 6 seed. A loss would give them a 6-5 record, the same as the Indianapolis Colts, against whom they hold a tiebreaker. Oakland needs to lose for the same reasons the Bills need to lose: to provide more security for the Texans to make the playoffs in case they let the division slip away. Houston also holds the tiebreaker over the Raiders. The Jets would improve to 4-7, still too far out of the action to impact the Texans.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals ⁠— root for Bengals

Unless you are someone who believes in the solidarity of the Watt brothers, rooting for the Steelers to lose would be the Texans’ best interest because Pittsburgh is slowing climbing up the ladder in the wild-card race. Having Pittsburgh at 5-6 on the year and out of the mix sooner bodes well for Houston.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans ⁠— root for Jaguars

The Jaguars currently have the tiebreaker over the Titans. A Jacksonville win would give both teams a 5-6 record, and the Jaguars would be ahead because they would have the ultimate head-to-head tiebreaker with a series sweep. The Texans similarly have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Jaguars. The more losses the surging Titans can take at this point, the better.

 

late games

Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots ⁠— root for the Patriots to lose

New England losing would drop them down to 9-2 on the year. While a win over the Patriots in Week 13 would drop New England to 9-3 and still possess one of the remaining two first-round byes, it would setup the scenario where a 12-4 Texans team could get a first-round bye presuming the Patriots also finished 12-4. How that could happen expeditiously is if New England loses in Week 12, Houston beats the Patriots in Week 13, New England loses to Kansas City the week thereafter, and the Texans win out. The first step is New England loses at home in Week 12.

 

monday night

Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Rams ⁠— root for Rams

The Ravens hold the tiebreaker over the Texans. A loss would drop them to 7-4, and they would still possess the second seed in the AFC. However, much like the New England scenario, if the Texans win out and the Ravens take another loss (San Francisco, at Buffalo, NY Jets, at Cleveland, Pittsburgh), Houston would take one of the two first-round byes.

Jags land CB CJ Henderson, WR CeeDee Lamb and help for both lines in Draft Wire mock

Depending on how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 12 game against the Tennessee Titans goes, fans of the team could be looking towards the draft by Sunday night. Then again, even if the Jags can defeat the Tennessee Titans we’re nearing that time …

Depending on how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 12 game against the Tennessee Titans goes, fans of the team could be looking towards the draft by Sunday night. Then again, even if the Jags can defeat the Tennessee Titans we’re nearing that time where the NFL Draft is starting to become very important.

Our comrade Luke Easterling of Draft Wire released another mock draft a few days ago, and for Jags fans, it might be the most impressive one yet. The team was able to land playmakers while addressing needs, too, starting with their two first-round selections of Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb and Florida Gators corner CJ Henderson.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Lamb is no stranger to Jags fans as he’s been mocked to Jacksonville several times before by Draft Wire. Our thoughts on that pick can be seen here.

Henderson is a player Jags fans are unquestionably familiar with, too, due to a majority of their fans being Gators fans. With Jalen Ramsey no longer on the roster, targeting a cornerback early wouldn’t be shocking for the Jags — and landing Henderson, who is a super lanky prospect with great athleticism would be a welcomed addition to the Jags’ questionable defense.

After the first-round, Easterling slotted the Jags two more players who addressed needs in Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux and Auburn defensive lineman Nick Coe.

46. Jacksonville Jaguars
Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon

77. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nick Coe, DL, Auburn

Lemieux fits the trend we mentioned with Henderson in terms of athleticism. He’d be a great fit with the Jags needing interior line help as Andrew Norwell has been a very underwhelming free agent addition and Brandon Linder hasn’t played to his hefty contract either. He’d especially give the Jags an option to replace Norwell, who lacks the athleticism and movement skills of Lemieux.

Coe is another player Draft Wire has mocked to the Jags previously. At 6-foot-5, 291-pounds, he’s a versatile player who could play in the interior or outside similar to Calais Campbell. With the veteran getting up there in age, Coe is another player who could be brought in to learn from Campbell like Taven Bryan and eventually could be a starter at some point. It’s also worth noting that Coe makes sense for the Jags because Marcell Dareus could be a cap casualty next season, too.

Jaguars vs. Titans: Week 12 Jags Wire staff picks and predictions

After a terrible showing in their last two games, many aren’t high on the Jags chances to beat the titans — and rightfully so.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will head to Tennessee to take on the Titans for the last time this regular season, and just as they were in Week 3’s meeting, both teams are desperate for a win.

With a 5-5 record, the Titans will be trying to avoid falling too far behind in the playoff race, while the 4-5 Jags will be looking to do the same and avoid a three game skid. That said, both fanbases are likely viewing Sunday’s game as the most important of the season — and that very well could be accurate.

Here are our predictions on how things could go between the two longtime rivals Sunday:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Titans 17, Jaguars 14

The Jags haven’t shown the ability to beat any teams with a .500 record or better aside from the Titans Week 3. However, the Jags’ defense was playing much better then. With Derrick Henry fresh off the bye week he’ll, unfortunately, have a solid day, though I’m not sure it will lead to a lot of scoring. Still, it will be enough in a close battle that goes down to the wire.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Titans 16, Jaguars 13

In a game that will garner very little interest from anyone outside of the two respective fanbases, this one may be a slog to watch. Both squads are not where they wanted to be and find themselves in tough spots. Do you tank the remainder of the season to improve draft stock? Or reel off a few wins to build momentum going into the offseason? For Jaguar fans, it might be best for the team to lose this one too (for the sake of a new front office) and exactly what will happen in Nashville.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jaguars 17, Titans 13

After last week’s embarrassing effort against their longtime rivals in the Colts, the Jags are headed to Nashville to face the Titans. The Jags beat the Titans after a strong defensive day where the racked up nine sacks earlier in the season. However, both teams are nothing like they were when they met earlier. Both teams are meddling in no man’s land where they can either sneak into the playoffs or miss them but end up picking in the middle of the first round. The Jags should come out with a point to prove after last week’s effort and somehow survive.

Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): Titans 29, Jaguars 16

The Titans are playing some of their best ball in recent memory. Ryan Tannehill has re-energized the team and brought them back into the playoff hunt. The Jaguars haven’t had such luck as of late. Until Jacksonville shows they can stop the run, I think they will struggle mightily, especially against a Derrick Henry led team.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Jaguars 19, Titans 17

The Jaguars will have to stop the bleeding eventually and this is the game to do it. Titans running back Derrick Henry will likely have a monster game but the Jaguars will win in a low-scoring game.

Will Frost (@willfrost_): Titans 25, Jaguars 18

Last week’s loss to Indianapolis showed that the Jags’ run defense has been far below average this season. That said, Jags fans should expect another big game for Derrick Henry as we’ve seen in the past. This might be ugly, and a loss could very well cement the Jaguars at the foot of the AFC South.

Jaguars remain 3.5-point underdogs vs. Titans but money line shifts

There was a shift in the money line for the Jags and Titans game but the spread remained the same.

The Jacksonville Jaguars remain a betting underdog for their upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.

According to BetMGM, the Jaguars are still currently a 3.5-point underdogs to their divisional rivals but the money line did change.

The Jaguars began the week as a +140 underdog on the money line, however, they’ve now fallen to a +165 underdog as of today’s writing.

When looking at the total, the bout is still expected to be a low-scoring game with the over/under unchanged from 41.5-points.

Both teams have been very difficult to bet on. The Jaguars are 5-5 against the spread and are coming off consecutive double-digit losses to the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans are 4-5-1 against the spread and have won three out of their last five games. The Titans last victory came against the Kansas City Chiefs by the score of 35-32.

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Prospects for Jags fans to watch: Oregon QB Justin Herbert

If a new front office comes to Jacksonville, look for the team to keep their eyes on top QB prospect Justin Herbert out of Oregon.

Just three weeks ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars were entering a division rivalry at 4-4 before heading into the bye week. Since, they’ve been blown out two consecutive weeks by their AFC South foes, leading to a lot of frustration among fans — and rightfully so.

Many of those fans are calling for the firing of the front office and coaching staff. While that discussion is for another article, I am here to discuss what could happen if that were to transpire.

If the Jaguars were to let go of their front office and coaching staff, the Jags would have to be looking at a new quarterback in the draft. Usually, when a team hires a new general manager and head coach, a new quarterback soon follows. It would be naive to think any differently for Jacksonville. While the team may be out of range for Louisiana State gunslinger Joe Burrow, they certainly may end up in the range for Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert is a lot of fan’s dream quarterback, checking off just about every box one could have. Herbert brings A+ arm strength and athleticism to the table to go along with his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame. In many ways, Herbert is comparable to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. That type of size, arm talent, and athleticism is a rare combination and is why many have drooled over this particular Oregon Duck.

In a crucial final year for the senior quarterback, Herbert has only further solidified himself as an elite prospect. The PAC 12 passer has gone on an absolute tear, leading the Ducks to a 9-1 record and a possible playoff bid. Herbert has completed 70% of his passes on the year, throwing for 2,662 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. With numbers like that, it will be interesting to see if Herbert can lead the Ducks to the playoffs.

Academically, Herbert also checks several boxes and currently has a 4.0 GPA, majoring in biology at Oregon. He has been brilliant on and off the field and also has proven to be a terrific teammate. Simply put, fans wouldn’t have to worry about him off the field.

What does the 6-foot-6 Duck bring to the table as a prospect, though, you ask?

Herbert possesses a lot of desirable traits from an NFL standpoint. As previously mentioned, his arm talent is atop the list. With the Jags having vertical threats like DJ Chark Jr., Herbert would fit right in and could give the Jags’ offense more explosion.

In my opinion, Herbert has the strongest arm in his class and it is easy to notice watching the young signal-caller.

WHEW! That’s a throw some quarterbacks in the league can’t make. Meanwhile, Herbert makes it look easy, not only displaying his arm strength but his accuracy, too. This is the throw that teams will ask prospects to make during workouts and senior days. It appears Herbert will have no trouble making these high difficulty NFL throws and making them look effortless.

At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Herbert brings toughness to his game as well. He’s shown the ability to stand in the pocket despite taking some shots in the process.

Herbert is big and strong and shows off his grit on this play above, taking a nice lick before delivering an absolutely beautiful pass to move the chains. One of my favorite characteristics of Blake Bortles was his toughness and Herbert will bring a similar level of selfishness and toughness that many covet and respect. Whether playing through injuries or giving up your body for a play, Herbert will go above and beyond to help his team win.

Lastly, Herbert shows the ability to improvise and make plays when things break down. While he is massive, Herbert is a threat outside of the pocket. He can take off running or extend a play as seen below.

If I had to pick one play to display Herbert as a prospect, it would be this play. The combination of his improvisational skills, arm talent, and ball placement are all on display, showing why he has been such a big name in the scouting world for so long. He may be hindered by his surrounding talent at Oregon, but if a team supports Herbert, he no doubt can become a franchise quarterback. In most classes, Herbert would be the top quarterback.

If he is on the board when Jacksonville is on the clock, I would expect the new front office to take a good, long, hard look at this Duck. At the end of the day, his talent may just be too good to pass up.