Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)
v.
Tennessee Titans (6-6)
Tennessee Titans 30, Jacksonville Jaguars 9
These two teams looked statistically matched in many aspects of yesterday's game. No decisive advantage in terms of first downs, or time of possession, or turnovers. The quarterbacks had similar days, with Cody Kessler actually enjoying a better day than Marcus Mariota, but not by a landslide. Kessler completed 25 of 43 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown, while Mariota completed 18 of 24 for 162, with one interception. Kessler kept finding wide receiver Dede Westbrook, who picked up 88 yards and one touchdown on seven receptions.
If anything, looking at those stats, you might be excused to think that Jax pulled off an upset and served as spoilers to the Titans playoff aspirations.
Then, you look at the score, and how the Titans won by three touchdowns, and how they were leading 16-2 by halftime, then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to build a 30-2 lead. What an odd score, isn't it?
So, while it seemed like their offensive numbers in the passing game were more favorable to Jacksonville, once you take the running game into account, you easily see why Tennessee dominated this game the way that they did.
If anything, looking at those stats, you might be excused to think that Jax pulled off an upset and served as spoilers to the Titans playoff aspirations.
Then, you look at the score, and how the Titans won by three touchdowns, and how they were leading 16-2 by halftime, then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to build a 30-2 lead. What an odd score, isn't it?
So, while it seemed like their offensive numbers in the passing game were more favorable to Jacksonville, once you take the running game into account, you easily see why Tennessee dominated this game the way that they did.
The major difference between the two teams yesterday was indeed the ground game. While Tennessee's defense - one of the best units in the league - basically contained Leonard Fournette to a pedestrian 36 yards on 14 carries, which is a testament to that defense. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry had a monster of a day for Tennessee, picking up 238 yards and four touchdowns on just 17 carries. The Jaguars simply had no answers for him.
That explains the difference in score, and why this game was not likely even as close as the score would indicate. When you allow a runner to have that kind of a game against you, then you most likely are not going to be able to stay in the game for long. It is almost difficult to believe that Jax was still in this thing for a while there in the second half.
Tennessee won their second straight game to reach a record of 7-6, with an overall home record so far of 5-1. With this decisive win, they keep the pressure on the 7-5 Baltimore Ravens, who presently hold that sixth spot for the Wildcard berth. Jacksonville, meanwhile, drop to 4-9, and are 1-5 on the road.
That explains the difference in score, and why this game was not likely even as close as the score would indicate. When you allow a runner to have that kind of a game against you, then you most likely are not going to be able to stay in the game for long. It is almost difficult to believe that Jax was still in this thing for a while there in the second half.
Tennessee won their second straight game to reach a record of 7-6, with an overall home record so far of 5-1. With this decisive win, they keep the pressure on the 7-5 Baltimore Ravens, who presently hold that sixth spot for the Wildcard berth. Jacksonville, meanwhile, drop to 4-9, and are 1-5 on the road.
My prediction: Accurate
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