NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Field.
The Titans are coming off a 26-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders. The Jaguars, meanwhile, pummeled the Texans 29-7 while racking up 10 sacks in the process. The Titans and Jaguars have split their two-game series every season since 2009.
This week, I caught up with Ryan O'Halloran, who covers the Jaguars for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanohalloran, and join over 23,000 others.
Here's how our conversation went…
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Wyatt:** Hey Ryan. I appreciate you taking the time. Well, what an impressive performance by the Jaguars in Week One. They jumped out to a 19-0 lead, and won easily while recording 10 sacks on defense. Is this a sign of things to come?
O'Halloran: Well, I think 10 sacks per week is a big ask. But if you look at the components of that win, it really was how they want to draw it up. First, it's a running game. Leonard Fournette carried it 26 times for 100 yards, and as a team they had 39 rushing attempts. They had no turnovers on offense. Quarterback Blake Bortles, for lack of a better term, managed the game, and he made some throws downfield. And the biggest thing is they've sunk a lot of resources into this defense up front, and that pass rush showed. They got sacks with a four-man rush. So they have some good edge rushes, and they have good corners who provide coverage. This is my sixth year covering the team, and it was the most impressive win I've covered.
Wyatt: I want to ask you about Bortles. He completed 11-of-21 passes for 125 yards in the contest, and he threw for a touchdown. Not great numbers, but he didn't turn the ball over either. How secure is he as a starter, and have you seen improvement from him?
O'Halloran: When (Jaguars head coach) Doug Marrone opened up that quarterback competition, I thought it was over. You don't open it up to rename Blake Bortles the starter. But that's not how it worked. He got his second chance. I thought Blake played OK vs. Carolina in that third preseason game, and against Houston, what you look back on is, 'OK, What was his decision making like? Did he get away with some things?' And really, out of 21 throws he had one bad throw and he had four drops. He took a couple of shots downfield, but that is not what this offense is about right now. I thought it looked like he checked out of some pass plays into some runs that had some bigger gains. So I thought it was a positive step for Blake.
Wyatt: I'm going back to the pass rush because 10 sacks just jumps off the stat sheet. Calais Campbell had four of them. How did the Jaguars pull that off, and will they be coming after Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota on Sunday?
O'Halloran: It's funny, they faced Tom Savage in the first half and played a little bit more coverage, and when Deshaun Watson was in there they sent a lot more pressure. So it looks like they have a pretty diverse scheme. But with Calais Campbell, he can run from inside, and he can rush from outside. He can overpower guys. He had four sacks, and it was a franchise-high and a single-game high, but Yannick Ngakoue had a good start -- he had two sacks and two forced fumbles. If they can get some production out of Dante Fowler – he had a sack and a touchdown and a forced fumble. Teams have to kind of pick and choose where they are going to defend. On the other side, Houston's offensive line has some issues. Duane Brown is holding out, they played two left tackles in that game and they weren't very good at guard. A good thing for the Jaguars is they felt they had an advantage in that area, and they took advantage of it, and that's normally what this franchise hasn't done.
Wyatt: You mentioned Fournette early. Not a bad debut for the rookie. How good has he been, and will he be a workhorse every week?
O'Halloran: I think he's going to be good. We didn't get a great look at him in the preseason. He had just nine carries against New England in the first game, and then he had a foot injury. But 26 carries out of the gate – he only played 39 snaps, so when he was in he got the ball. The thing about Leonard that is impressive is he always gets you something. He has a lot of yards after contact because he is a big, physical runner. And he can hit the hole really well. His long run was 17, but he is going to be a guy who can give you a five, a six a three-yard run, and then a 28. He is that kind of runner. So they have to be pleased at that. Another positive for Fournette is he had three catches. He wasn't asked to do a lot of that at LSU, and I think that is almost like a bonus touch for him, because you are not running against defensive linemen. If you can get it, get it in space and take on a corner or a safety.
Wyatt: OK, two more here. I know Hurricane Irma produced a great deal of flooding in Jacksonville. The game is on -- same time, same place, of course. Have the events of the last few days impacted the team at all while preparing for the Titans?
O'Halloran: Well, before they left for Houston they made the decision they were going to stay Sunday night as well. Because the airport was closed in Jacksonville, they did not return back until Tuesday afternoon. These guys are going back to their homes that may or may not be damaged. I think they'll have a lot on their minds this week, so focus could be a challenge coming off a big win. But this is a big game for this team, to try and confirm what their identity is. They did a lot of good things in Week One. Can they back it up on Week Two?
Wyatt: So, a week into the season, what are your thoughts about the Jaguars for 2017, and how the AFC South will shake out?
O'Halloran: A week ago, I had Houston, Tennessee, Indianapolis and Jacksonville, in that order. The Colts, to me, that was a shocking loss by that much (lost 46-9 to Rams). The Titans, you knew that was going to be a tough matchup with Oakland. So there's plenty of reasons for optimism with the Titans. The Texans, if I'm them I just stick with Watson, and say, 'Hey, if we're going to struggle on offense this year we might as well struggle with Watson, a young quarterback who can get better and be ready for 2018.' The Jaguars? I had them 6-10 heading into the season, and I'm not going to jump with both feet onto the bandwagon right now. But if they can find a way to beat Tennessee at home on Sunday, they would be two games up on the Titans. If they could do that, things could get interesting and maybe they could play some meaningful games in December.
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)
