Jaguars defense and offense struggle, but both come out big in the end

Courtesy: Jaguars.com

By Jeffrey Batt | gargoyle@flagler.edu
The Jacksonville Jaguars were featured on Thursday Night Football this week, which meant America’s eyes were all on them and the Tennessee Titans. That spotlight brought pressure, but the Jags were prepared for the matchup with Marcus Mariota and that fast-moving offense as they came away with their fourth win of the season. The Jags won the night 19-13.

The game started as a field goal shootout for both teams as the defenses were able to make big stops when needed. Jaguars kicker Jason Myers added two field goals that came from just over 30 yards out, and Ryan Succopp added two for the Titans, knotting the score at six points a piece for the first half.

Both teams came out strong with their defensive presence throughout the first half and part of the third quarter before showing weaknesses and allowing open holes in the run game. The Jaguars struggled heavily in the red zone, and Blake Bortles failed to make plays to target receivers like Allen Robinson or tight end Julius Thomas.

Courtesy: Jaguars.com

In the third quarter, the Jaguars continued to pull together a steady offensive drive, but managed only another field goal from Jason Myers. The first real weak play of the night was revealed late in the third quarter as they left Mariota plenty of time in the pocket and allowed him to run 23 yards for a touchdown making the score 13-9.

In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars offense found a hole and made the most of it. Ryan Succop launched a high-powering kick past midfield where Rashad Greene took off dodging tackles and finding his way near the Titans end zone. This play amped up the crowd, brought them backed to their seats and pushed the Jaguars to score when Bortles found Thomas for a short pass and a 16-13 lead late in the fourth.

The Jaguars were able to tack on another field goal and secure the win 19-13. The win is the team’s second in a row and a big momentum shift in the division. The team is now 4-6 on the season and only one game back of first place in the division behind the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Jaguars take on the struggling San Diego Chargers this Sunday at Everbank Field. They still have to play the Colts, Texans and Titans one last time, then follow with a couple out-of-conference games against the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.