JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Titans lost 20-13 to the Jaguars here at EverBank Stadium on Sunday.
Here's a look at six things that stood out:
Spears Shined, Until Concussion
Titans running back Tyjae Spears has been one of the bright spots in recent weeks, and he continued that momentum on Sunday. Spears, who scored four touchdowns in the previous two games, ran hard against the Jaguars. With Tony Pollard sidelined, Spears started the contest and he racked up 95 yards on 20 carries, including a long of 23 yards. At one point in the contest, Spears had 100 yards. But Spears suffered a concussion on a run when he lost five yards, and it resulted in him falling below the 100-yard mark for the day. Because of the concussion, his 2024 season is now likely over.
Rudolph's Day
Quarterback Mason Rudolph, playing in place of Will Levis, finished the game 19-of-31 for 193 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the contest, along with a passer rating of 76.4. Rudolph's interception was on a pass that was tipped, and it then went off the hands of running back Julius Chestnut before a Jacksonville defender picked it off. Rudolph made some nice throws, and at times moved the offense. But, like a lot of Titans, he probably left feeling like he could have done more following a 13-point output from the offense.
Final Play
After cutting the lead to 20-13 with 2:02 left, the Titans got the ball back, and they had a chance to tie the game late following a drive that put the ball at the Jacksonville 26-yard line. From where I was standing on the field, it looked like receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was breaking free for a potential game-tying touchdown. But the pass was broken up at the final second, and the ball fell to the ground, Tennessee's hopes for a last-second rally ending up on the turf with it.
Secondary Gives Up Plays
Titans rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. beat himself up in the locker room after the game. Brownlee gave up some plays on Sunday, but he wasn't alone. Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns, with a passer rating of 122.2. Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas caught seven passes for 91 yards and a score, doing some damage with Brownlee in coverage. Titans cornerback Roger McCreary was victimized for a score by Jaguars receiver Parker Washington. "At times I feel like I could be emotional, and that causes me to get out of my game," Brownlee said. "That's the little things I have to work on. I don't think I played my best ball today – I gave up three big catches. … I am going to get better. I'll be better next game, and next year I'll be even greater."
Short Yardage Defense
The Jaguars converted 8-of-13 third downs, many of them on quarterback sneaks or in third-and-short situations. The plays extended drives, and allowed the Jaguars to hold the ball for good chunks at a time in a low possession game. The defense can hardly be blamed for losing a game when the offense scored just 13 points, but on this day, it didn't do enough. No one caused a turnover or made a game-changing play.
The Finality is Near
It was a somber and quiet locker room once again for the Titans, who lost their fifth straight game to drop to 3-13. Coach Brian Callahan, and his players, were left answering questions about whether they feel numb to the losses, and whether it's beginning to feel like Groundhog's Day. Everyone was clearly frustrated during what's been a disappointing season. "I don't even know what that is," Ridley said of the Groundhog's Day question. "But yeah, it feels like all year. It stings every time you lose." The Titans wrap up the season next weekend against the Texans.
