The Jacksonville Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville for Week 10 as they attempt to extend a winning streak to three games.
Jacksonville enters the divisional matchup with a 6-2 record and sits atop the AFC South, while the 1-7 Titans arrive following a bye week.
Success for the Jaguars depends on maintaining the momentum from recent blowout victories over the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens. Although Tennessee has struggled throughout the season, the team recently showed signs of life by taking the Cincinnati Bengals to overtime in Week 8.
The stakes for Jacksonville involve more than just divisional standing; the Jaguars must avoid a trap game against a Tennessee unit that has become increasingly opportunistic. To secure a victory, Jacksonville’s coaching staff and players must address specific tactical challenges presented by the Titans’ recent offensive and defensive shifts.
Neutralize the Tennessee ground game
Tennessee has found a rhythm recently by leaning on running back Tony Pollard. Pollard has accumulated 246 rushing yards and five touchdowns over his last two contests, often gaining yards after contact to balance the Titans' attack.
Jacksonville possesses a statistical advantage in this area, as the Jaguars currently hold the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense, allowing only 89.3 yards per game. However, the defensive unit must look beyond the interior line to stop Pollard, who excels at attacking the edges and making defenders miss in space.
If the Jaguars can limit Pollard’s effectiveness on early downs, they may prevent Tennessee from sustaining the long drives that have fueled their recent competitive performances.
Contain the mobility of Cam Ward
Titans quarterback Cam Ward is coming off a career-high performance in which he threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati. Ward also added 41 rushing yards, a factor that forces Jacksonville to account for his ability to extend plays when the pocket collapses.
The Jaguars’ pass rush, led by Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, will need to generate pressure without becoming undisciplined. If the rush lanes are not maintained, Ward could escape pressure to find receivers downfield, turning short plays into long gains.
Minimize turnovers against a hungry defense
Jacksonville has maintained an NFL-leading plus-nine turnover differential, committing only six turnovers through eight games. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been a primary driver of this stability, throwing 18 touchdown passes against just four interceptions.
Despite their 1-7 record, the Titans’ defense has become a disruptive force, recording nine takeaways over their last three games. This stretch ties them for the most takeaways in the NFL during that specific period.
While the recent trades of Jeffery Simmons and Amani Hooker removed key contributors from the Tennessee roster, defensive end Jacob Martin remains a threat, leading the team with 6.5 sacks. Jacksonville’s offensive line must provide Lawrence with enough time to avoid the short fields that Tennessee’s defense is increasingly capable of creating.
Injuries threaten Jaguars offensive depth
The Jaguars’ offense averages 28.6 points per game, a success attributed to head coach Liam Coen’s ability to distribute the ball among various contributors. However, recent practice reports suggest that injuries could force a shift in this strategy.
Leading rusher Bhayshul Tuten missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to ankle and foot injuries, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been limited by a hand injury. The Jaguars’ ability to remain productive without a dominant ground game was evidenced in their 33-10 win over Baltimore, where Lawrence completed passes to eight different receivers.
| Team Statistic | Jacksonville Jaguars | Tennessee Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Current Record | 6-2 | 1-7 |
| Points Per Game | 28.6 | N/A |
| Rushing Defense (YPG) | 89.3 | N/A |
| Turnover Differential | +9 | N/A |
Establish early dominance
Jacksonville’s most critical objective is to secure an early lead to prevent Tennessee from gaining confidence. The Jaguars’ recent dominance was highlighted by a 42-7 win over Indianapolis and a 33-10 victory over Baltimore.
An early advantage would force the Titans to abandon their balanced offensive approach and rely more heavily on Ward’s arm. This shift could allow the Jaguars’ defense to play more aggressively, looking to exploit a Tennessee passing game that may struggle under sustained pressure.
The Jaguars’ next scheduled game is on Sunday.
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