3 takeaways from Jaguars vs Titans
The Jaguars dominated the Titans 41-7 to clinch the AFC South and the second most regular season wins in franchise history. This was a monumental day for the Jaguars as it not only won them the AFC South but won them their eighth straight game heading into the playoffs. Liam Coen now becomes the seventh head coach in NFL history to win 13 or more games in his first season as a head coach, and the Jaguars become the third team to ever win 13 games after losing 13 the previous season.
Good teams handle business
With so much at stake against a division rival, this was seen by some as a trap game. The NFL is known for the phrase "any given Sunday," and a less mature team could have very easily looked ahead to the playoffs, forgetting what is in front of them. Liam Coen did not let that happen, as the Jaguars would throttle the Titans 41-7, dominating the game after the opening possessions.
In the 2022 finale, we saw how big the moment was for the Jaguars and how any team can win any game, as the game came down to the final minutes. While the stakes were similar for the Jaguars, the result was entirely different, never letting the moment get to them and seizing control of the game early. The sign of a good team is not just beating playoff-caliber teams but also handling business against inferior opponents, and the Jaguars did just that, and they are rewarded with a home playoff game in round one.
The run game is now a big concern
The Jaguars scored 34 offensive points on the day, but it was not because of their rushing attack. Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten combined for just 55 yards on 19 carries. Coming into the game, the Titans were 22nd in yards per attempt allowed but only allowed 2.9 against Jaguars running backs.
After starting the season off hot on the ground, the Jaguars will finish the season 20th in rushing yards and 27th in yards per attempt. Against the best teams in the conference, a once mild concern could become a larger issue in the biggest games.
The Jaguars didn't beat themselves
For the majority of the season, the Jaguars were among the most penalized teams in the NFL and, for a stretch, were the most penalized team. Against the Titans in week 18, the Jaguars committed just 3 penalties for 20 yards, a major improvement from the first matchup, where the Jaguars had 13 penalties.
Staying ahead of the sticks was a struggle for the Jaguars for a large part of the season, but over the last 4 games, they have averaged just 4 penalties a game. Heading into the playoffs, building sustainable habits is key. By improving in an area that has plagued them all season, the Jaguars are doing the right things heading into the postseason.