NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans travel to Jacksonville on Christmas Eve to face the Jaguars.
The Titans are coming off a dramatic 19-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Titans are 8-6, with two games left.
The Jaguars lost 21-20 to the Texans, and they made a coaching change after the game, replacing Gus Bradley with interim coach Doug Marrone. The Jaguars are 2-12.
These two teams met on a Thursday night in Nashville back on October 27, a game won 36-22 by the Titans.
This morning, I caught up with my buddy Ryan O'Halloran, who covers the Jaguars for the Florida Times-Union. It's been a hectic few days for him. You can follow him on Twitter at @ryanohalloran.
Here's how our conversation went…
Wyatt: Hey Ryan. I appreciate you taking the time during a busy week. So, why the move now with Gus?
O'Halloran: Well, I was surprised by the timing. Every indication we had received since that Thursday night game in Nashville was that Gus would make it through the end of the season regardless of the record. But I think the Rams making their move with Jeff Fisher last week, it forced the Jaguars hand. I think they felt they needed to get a head start as well, and while they can't talk to a lot of people they (can do homework) on a lot of people and this clearly frees them up to start talking to Tom Coughlin. I think that is why they did this early, to see if Tom is a fit.
Wyatt: Doug Marrone is a former head coach with the Bills, and at Syracuse. He interviewed for the Titans job this past offseason before it went to Mike Mularkey. Tell me what you know about him, and can he provide a spark down the stretch?
O'Halloran: Well, in our exposure to Doug, he is sort of the opposite of Gus. His sense of humor is a little dry. When I talk to him he is very humorous. He'll probably have a different tone with the team. The history of teams getting a one-game jolt with an interim coach is well-documented, and if they changed some personnel, non-quarterback, maybe that would help. But I think they are running into the wrong team at the wrong time in the Titans.
Wyatt: It's been a tough year for the Jaguars, there's no denying that. What has gone well? What can they hang their hat on during a difficult season?
O'Halloran:* Well, I do think they have found some foundation-type players on defense that will be important players for them regardless of who the coach is, regardless of who the defensive coordinator is. Malik Jackson, they spent $90 million on him, he's been a very good defensive tackle. Yannick Ngakoue, a third-round pick, leads the team in sacks (6). They still believe in Dante Fowler at defensive end. At linebacker, Paul Posluszny and Telvin Smith have both had good seasons, and on the back end Jalen Ramsey has had a good season as well. He finally had an interception last week. So that's a number of guys who have the respect of people around the league. They just have to force more turnovers and create more pressure and that's where free agency and the draft comes in. *
Wyatt: I know there were some pretty high expectations there heading into the season. So what's been the biggest problem this season?
O'Halloran: At this point you just have to chalk it up to fool's gold. I think a lot of people thought they would continue to get better, but things didn't work. The running game was broken early, and that impacted the play-action. The offensive line protected better but they didn't really run block (well). The open end this season as far as what went wrong is that all the young players on offense that showed promise last year didn't take the next step this year.
Wyatt: This is Year 3 for quarterback Blake Bortles. He's thrown for 3,279 yards and 21 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions. But the offense is ranked 28th overall, and 26th in passing offense. What does his future look like in Jacksonville?
O'Halloran: Well, he had to be the happiest guy in the organization when it was announced the general manager Dave Caldwell would return, because they are tied together. Dave believes in Blake, but he is 29th in passing rating and is tied for 2nd in most interceptions and he has not been able to reach a 100 passer rating in any game this year, and he has not had a great year. My guess is that they'll pick up the fifth-year option because it is guaranteed only for injury, but depending on the coach they'll bring in a semi-veteran who doesn't have a lot of starting experience but maybe to challenge Bortles. But with Caldwell back, I would be surprised of Bortles isn't their Week One starter next year.
Wyatt: OK Ryan, last one here. This Titans-Jaguars series dates back a while. How much would the Jaguars love to play spoiler, and put a damper on Tennessee's season with an upset win?
O'Halloran: I'm sure the fan base looks at it, and the spoiler role is prominent. But from a player standpoint, this team has lost nine straight games, and they haven't won a game in Jacksonville in over a year – they are 0-6 in games at Everbank Stadium this year. I think that is the motivation of the players. They don't want to have to go into the offseason knowing they lost their last 11 games. It is not about playing for Doug Marrone, and making sure he gets a shot at the head job – that's probably not going to happen. For the players, it's about trying to end the season on some kind of a positive note after the last two months have been a total debacle.
TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates after making a first down against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) celebrates with teammates after Byard intercepted a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars to stop their final drive in the last seconds of the fourth quarter in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 15-10. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
The Philadelphia Eagles line up against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Philadelphia Eagles lines up against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates after making a catch for a first down in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 15-10. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The Tennessee Titans line up against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, file photo, Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) celebrates with Wesley Woodyard (59) and Ben Jones (60) after intercepting a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars to stop their final drive in the last seconds of the fourth quarter in an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. Bayard heads into his first playoff game Saturday in Kansas City leading the NFL in takeaways with 10 and tied for the league-lead with eight interceptions. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)
Marcus Mariota, quarterback de los Titans de Tennessee, trata de escaparse de Myles Jack, de los Jaguars de Jacksonville, durante el partido del domingo 31 de diciembre de 2017 (AP Foto/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) pressures Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars to stop their final drive in the last seconds of the fourth quarter in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 15-10. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 66-yard pass play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) and center Ben Jones (60) after Henry scored a touchdown on a 66-yard pass play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 66-yard pass play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles against the Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) tackles Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) rushes for yardage as offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, right, blocks Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith (50) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Tennessee Titans prepare to snap the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks for a receiver as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) breaks away from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith (50) after catching a pass during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) sheds Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) on a first quarter run in an NFL game Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fl. (Rick Wilson via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defensive backs Kenny Vaccaro, left, and Logan Ryan after a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Josh Wells (72) sets up to block against Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs in front of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, rear, and defensive back A.J. Bouye (21) after catching a pass during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans, left, line up for a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans won 30-9. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) greets fans after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans won 30-9. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The NFL broadcasters work as Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) are interviewed after an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans won 30-9. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Fox broadcaster Erin Andrews speaks with Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans won 30-9. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
FILE - In this Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, file photo, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs for a touchdown past Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) during the second half of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. Unthinkable at the start of December, Henry has piled up a franchise-record 408 yards over his past two games to put the Titans running back 118 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard rushing season. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Leon Jacobs (48) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Henry scored a touchdown on the 99-yard run. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry speaks to fans at the NFL broadcast booth after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans won 30-9. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
El running back de los Titans de Tennessee, Derrick Henry (22), corre y desplaza con un brazo al safety de los Jaguars de Jacksonville, Tashaun Gipson (39), durante la segunda mitad de un juego de la NFL, el jueves 6 de diciembre de 2018, en Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Leon Jacobs (48) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Henry scored a touchdown on the 99-yard run. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs for a touchdown against Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
