Jaguars vs. Titans: 5 Players to Watch
The Jaguars have had a week’s time to review, reflect, and reset after an embarrassing home performance last week against the San Francisco 49ers. Now the team welcomes the Tennessee Titans to EverBank Stadium in a ‘get right’ contest with the fate of the AFC South at stake. If Jacksonville wins, they move to 7-3 commanding the division. If they lose, the division quickly becomes much less clear.
Here are my five Jaguars that need to step up and show out Sunday against the division rival, Titans.
Trevor Lawrence
This should be a Trevor Lawrence game. Lawrence hasn’t exactly had the best statistical season in 2023. While he has mostly played well, he hasn’t been able to put up the numbers typically associated with the Top-10 Quarterbacks of the league. Sunday’s the day to change everything.
Before the trade deadline, the Titans traded star safety Kevin Byard, a player who has been a thorn in the Jaguars’ side since his arrival into the league. Their secondary features an injured Sean Murphy-Bunting and Kristian Fulton at corner with Elijah Molden and Amani Hooker holding down the back end at safety. The Jaguars should look to stretch the field and get Lawrence going early against an injured and depleted Titans’ secondary.
Calvin Ridley
I’m listing Calvin Ridley for the second week in a row in hopes this is the week he finally returns to stardom. Ridley has been starved of the end zone since Jacksonville’s week four matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. While it might be true, as Doug Pederson mentioned, that Ridley is forcing defensive pass interference at an exceedingly high clip, his impact has still left something to be desired.
The Titans recently allowed a six catch, 143-yard performance to Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans just last week and a seven catch, 90-yard day from Diontae Johnson the week prior. Both players also happened to score touchdowns. I’m hopeful this is the week we see the Calvin Ridley of old and for Lawrence to keep looking his way for the rest of the year.
Walker Little
It was a rough return from injury for Walker Little against a dominant 49ers’ defensive front. Little allowed three pressures on 42 pass-block snaps, the most pressures he’s allowed in a game this season. Prior to the 49ers, Little had been one of the best and most consistent lineman on the team.
With another week to get healthier, Little should bounce right back. It should be noted the Titans’s defensive line does comprise one of the NFL’s best interior defenders, Jeffery Simmons. If his struggles continue, look for newly acquired Ezra Cleveland to get some snaps. If Little and the rest of the line can give Lawrence time, he can quickly squash the recent narrative as a ‘one-read’ quarterback.
Josh Allen
The Titans offensive line is quite frankly… offensive. If Jaguars’ fans think their team’s pass-blocking is bad, just watch the Titans. Despite playing in just three games, Will Levis has already been pressured on 48 dropbacks. Especially notable, the left tackle position has been responsible for over 40% of the team’s pressures allowed.
With Josh Allen being a frequent customer to the left tackle’s side of the line, he could be in for a huge game. It’s also questionable whether or not Titans tackle Andre Dillard will play as he is recovering from a concussion. Whoever starts on the left side should be weary as Josh Allen looks to continue his reign of terror.
Gregory Junior
Pederson announced it is a ‘longshot’ that Tyson Campbell is healthy enough to play Sunday against the Titans. It’s next man up and that next man up is Gregory Junior, who defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell aptly dubbed ‘G-Money’. Junior became a fan-favorite during the preseason, making play after play and showcasing his natural talent.
Junior was recently reinstated from the Injured Reserve list, recovering from a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Now he figures to make his first NFL start in place of one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. He’ll be tasked with covering DeAndre Hopkins and possibly an injured Treylon Burks. He’ll likely be targeted early and often as Titans’ QB Will Levis looks to attack an expected weakness in the Jaguars’ secondary. Junior will need to be on his A-game Sunday.
