The Tennessee Titans (3-6) and Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3) will have their first of two games this season when they meet at EverBank Stadium on Sunday.
The Titans understandably enter this game as the underdog after an awful showing during the first half of the season that has them in the cellar of the AFC South.
This is only the Titans’ second divisional game of the season. That means they have a chance to play spoiler down the stretch and greatly impact who comes out of the division if it isn’t them.
While the Titans would need a historic turnaround to make the playoffs, they can inch closer to the first-place Jags with a win, which would leave Tennessee just two games back with seven to play.
There are three ways specifically the Titans can give themselves a better chance to win on Sunday against their division rival. Let’s see what they are:
Get the ball out quickly
The Titans have failed to protect Will Levis in each of the last two games, and their offense has been grounded as a result. It goes without saying that needs to improve this week.
One way offensive coordinator Tim Kelly can help is to call plays that get the ball out of Levis’ hands quickly. If Tennessee’s offensive line can prove to be better early on than it was the last two games, then Kelly can start calling for more downfield throws.
The Jaguars don’t exactly bring a vaunted pass-rush with 18 sacks in nine games, but they do have a pair of talented edge rushers in Josh Allen and Travon Walker. Not to mention, Tennessee’s offensive line is capable of making any pass-rush look good.
Relentless pressure
The Titans are going to have one hell of a time trying to slow down the Jags’ pass-catcher trio in Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk and Evan Engram, especially now that Sean Murphy-Bunting has been ruled out.
The best way to go about that is to get consistent pressure from their pass-rush for a full 60 minutes. Unfortunately, that has been an issue all season long, as Tennessee’s pass-rush can look dominant one minute and then disappear the next.
Head coach Doug Pederson said earlier in the week that Trevor Lawrence has been dealing with a knee issue that has limited the offense. The Titans need to test that knee early and often by getting after the former No. 1 overall pick.
No self-inflicted wounds
The Titans are sorely lacking talent, which makes execution on both sides of the ball difficult. But Tennessee has made things even worse with self-inflicted wounds.
The Titans have been able to keep the turnovers at a minimum since Levis took over, but they have absolutely shot themselves in the foot on several drives with penalties that put them in disadvantageous positions.
This offense is struggling enough, so the last thing it can afford is to move backwards on any given drive. Playing more disciplined and protecting the football is crucial in this game.
Penalties have been an issue on defense, also, with the Titans handing out plenty of free yards to opposing offenses. It’s going to be a long day if Tennessee does that on Sunday.
