NASHVILLE – The Titans lost 10-6 to the Jaguars on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out from the contest:
Squandered Opportunities
The Titans got zero points on two trips inside Jacksonville's 10-yard line. One came in the first half, when the team had a first and goal at the four-yard line. After a Tony Pollard run went for two yards, Titans quarterback Will Levis threw three straight incomplete passes, including a fourth-down toss to tight end Nick Vannett (when tight end Chig Okonkwo was open). The Titans had another golden opportunity in the fourth quarter, when they had a first and 10 at the Jacksonville 16. The Titans ultimately reached the nine-yard line before a high Levis pass escaped the grasp of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. There were reasons both possessions flamed out. Not scoring points on both occasions was the biggest reason the Titans lost.
Will Levis Got Rocked
Levis played every snap in the contest. It didn't look like that would be the case after Levis took a big hit, and was sacked, at the end of the first half. Left tackle JC Latham allowed Jaguars edge Josh Hines-Allen to get around him and bury Levis to close out at the half. "I just got beat," Latham said. "No excuse." Levis, who completed 19-of-32 passes for 168 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in the contest, said he's doing OK health-wise, considering. He looked to be in pain after reaggravating his right shoulder injury. "I have a sprained AC joint," Levis said. "I've been playing through it all year. I made it worse through that hit, shot it up, played through it. I'm still able to play, but not fun."
Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard was one of the bright spots on Sunday. The veteran running back rushed 21 times for 102 yards, including a run of 21 yards. He picked up some tough yards, and he managed to get into space on several occasions. Pollard now has 937 yards on the season, along with four touchdowns. Tyjae Spears also added 21 yards, including a run of eight yards. The Titans did their best to establish the run early, as the team ran the football on its first eight offensive plays. It was part of a 126-yard rushing day for the Titans. On this day, that wasn't enough.
Titans Created Two Turnovers
The Titans made some plays on defense in this one. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday, intercepted Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones in the first half. Later, linebacker Otis Reese intercepted Jones. I noticed Reese several times on Sunday – he was credited with five tackles and two quarterback hits – while playing alongside linebacker Luke Gifford, who led the team with 11 tackles. The Titans couldn't make a play when they needed to in the end, however, as the Jaguars rallied. But let's face it: On most Sundays, the defense is faced with the task of needing to be close to perfect, because the offense just doesn't produce enough points. And, this defense isn't perfect.
Costly Penalty
The Titans committed just four penalties for 25 yards on Sunday, which was a big improvement. The team entered the contest as one of the league's most penalized teams. It was the team's second-lowest total of the season through 13 games (two against Green Bay on Sept. 22). Titans tackle Dillon Radunz did commit a costly holding penalty in the contest, however, and it took a touchdown run by Pollard off the scoreboard. Those points turned out to be the difference in the game.
A Discouraged Locker Room
The Titans are now 3-10. It's been a rough season. Despite the losses, and the frustration, players have remained relatively upbeat, and optimistic. There was a different tone in the locker room on Sunday. Players seemed as discouraged and down as they've been all season. "It's hard," defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons said. "At the end of the day, when you are leader, there's only so much you can say. … You're playing for the name on your back for the last four games. And that's my mindset, I'm going to give this team all I've got for the rest of the season. From off the field and on the field, we just got to finish the season."
