No player in the NFL recorded more tackles in the 2022 season than Foye Oluokun. But according to the Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker, it was a hit delivered by one of the team’s backup linebackers that turned the tides for the Jaguars in 2022.
On Dec. 11, the 4-8 Jaguars traveled to Nashville to play the 7-5 Tennessee Titans. Trailing 14-13 late in the second half, the Jaguars defense gave up a big play down the right sideline to Titans running back Derrick Henry.
However, the play ended with a huge hit delivered by Shaquille Quarterman that launched Henry through the air and popped the ball right into the waiting arms of the Jaguars’ Josh Allen.
.@OgBoobie_Shaq forces it out and @JoshAllen41_ secures the bag!#ProBowlVote #JAXvsTEN on CBS/NFL+ pic.twitter.com/31MT0FgPAj
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 11, 2022
“That play was so important in our season,” Oluokun said Tuesday on an EveryMorning Quarterback podcast discussing the biggest hits of the 2022 NFL season. “Without that play, I don’t think we even make it that far.”
The Jaguars offense took advantage of the opportunity afforded by the Quarterman forced fumble, driving the field on a six-play, 78-yard touchdown drive.
The momentum carried into the second half with the Jaguars scoring 16 straight points after halftime to bury the Titans in a three-touchdown hole. Jacksonville won the game, 36-22, and rattled off four more wins after that to finish the regular season with an 9-8 record and the AFC South title.
Perhaps the Jaguars’ dominant second half would’ve happened with or without Quarterman’s big hit. But it’s hard to argue with Oluokun’s assessment. Jacksonville was a different team in its last month and there was a massive momentum shift that came when Quarterman blasted Henry.
