In a game that encapsulated the divergent paths of two AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars held off the Tennessee Titans 27-19 at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, solidifying their playoff aspirations while extending the Titans’ misery. The victory, fueled by a potent offense and a timely defensive stand, moves the Jaguars to 8-4 under first-year head coach Liam Coen, keeping them firmly in the hunt for the division title. For the Titans, now led by interim coach Mike McCoy after the dismissal of Brian Callahan, the loss is their 11th consecutive at home and tightens their grip on the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars’ offense, averaging over 30 points per game since their Week 8 bye, continued its hot streak. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence orchestrated the attack efficiently, throwing for multiple touchdowns, including a scoring strike to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and a touchdown to tight end Brenton Strange. While Lawrence has shown a propensity for turnovers this season—he entered the game with 11 interceptions, third-most in the league—he managed the game effectively against a Titans defense desperate for a takeaway. The engine of the Jacksonville offense, however, was running back Travis Etienne Jr. The dynamic back, who leads the Jaguars with 975 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on the year, was a constant threat, both on the ground and through the air. His ability to churn out yards and find the end zone was a central component of the game plan, and his production kept the Titans’ defense on its heels throughout the contest.
Tennessee’s day was defined by flashes of promise overshadowed by familiar shortcomings. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward showed the improvisational skills and arm talent that have given Titans fans hope, making several impressive throws under pressure. However, the offense continued its feast-or-famine trend, struggling with consistency from drive to drive. The run game was a particular sore spot. Despite the efforts of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, the Titans’ ground attack was stifled by a Jacksonville defense that entered the game allowing a league-low 83.7 rush yards per game. The Titans’ brightest moment came from rookie return specialist Chimere Dike, whose electrifying 90-yard punt return for a touchdown last week showcased a rare spark for the team. Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm also emerged as a reliable target, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards the previous week, but the Titans couldn’t sustain enough offensive momentum to overcome their mistakes.
The Jaguars’ defense, while bending at times, made the crucial plays when needed. They harassed Cam Ward, recording multiple sacks, including one by a group featuring Josh Hines-Allen and Dennis Gardeck. They also capitalized on Tennessee’s offensive inconsistencies, ultimately preventing the late comeback. For the Titans, the defensive effort was highlighted by plays like cornerback Darrell Baker Jr.’s pass breakup, but they couldn’t force the game-changing turnover they needed against a Jaguars team that leads the league with 29 dropped passes, per Next Gen Stats.
The result has significant implications for the AFC South landscape. The Jaguars continue to build momentum in Coen’s system, proving they can win tough division games on the road. Their offense, with Travis Etienne as the centerpiece, looks capable of carrying them into January. For Tennessee, the search for answers continues. The focus now shifts to evaluating young talent like Ward, Dike, and Helm for the future, while the specter of the top draft pick looms larger with each loss. As the Jaguars surge toward the postseason, the Titans are left to ponder how to end a home losing streak that has become an anchor on the franchise.