Jacksonville Jaguars Bench Jessie Bates and Jordan Davis for Titans Game

The Jacksonville Jaguars bench newly acquired safety Jessie Bates and defensive tackle Jordan Davis for their Nov. 15 game at the Tennessee Titans, playing the long game instead of chasing instant gratification.

Neither Bates nor Davis has had a bye week yet this season. Both played all nine games for their previous teams—Bates with the Atlanta Falcons and Davis with the Philadelphia Eagles—before arriving in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars intend to play 20-21 games this season and face a Titans squad holding a 1-7 record on Nov. 15.

“We want to be able to make sure that we’re putting them in a position to succeed (but) also learn the system and just give those guys a week to be able to do that,” coach Liam Coen said before practice on Nov. 13.

Jacksonville jaguars offensive players on the bench during an nfl football game against the tennessee titans sunday oct in ja

Learning the Playbook in Jacksonville

Bates will miss just the fourth regular-season game of his career (out of 143). He logged 589 snaps for the Falcons prior to the trade.

“It’s been pretty cool seeing him (here) grinding and working through (the system),” Coen said. “There is obviously so much that safeties have to be able to communicate and operate within the back end.”

Davis will miss only his fifth regular-season game (out of 78). He played 323 snaps for the Eagles.

Singer jordan davis attends the academy of country music awards at mgm grand garden arena

“Jordan has worked his tail off with the strength and conditioning (staff) and sports science and athletic training guys,” Coen said.

Evaluating the Defensive Additions

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, now working for NBC Sports, weighed in on the acquisitions during a conference call on Nov. 11.

“Jessie Bates is an absolute ball hawk, a center fielder and a hub of communication. He’s going to improve the play of those around him significantly. He’s going to reduce big plays. … In a similar way, Jordan Davis requires four hands and if you don’t put four hands on him, he’s got a chance to wreck the run game in a big way. … I think (the Jaguars) helped themselves in two really distinct ways from a defensive perspective. It’s a sign that they’re all in on it. It’s really impressive. It’s going to fun to watch the contributions (of Bates and Davis) and I think it will be immediate.”

Fans eager to see the new acquisitions in action will have to wait until at least the Nov. 22 game.