Welcome to Big Cat Country’s staff roundtable!
This week, we’re recapping the Jacksonville Jaguars’ moves at the 2026 NFL trade deadline and previewing their Week 10 divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Question 1: What are your thoughts on the Jaguars’ moves at the 2026 trade deadline?
Dillon Appleman: I love the moves, and while I understand the outside criticism regarding traditional thoughts on trade value, we know by now that James Gladstone’s roster-building philosophy doesn’t operate
within conventional guardrails. Jessie Bates III and Jordan Davis don’t just plug the holes left by Eric Murray and DaVon Hamilton; they provide genuine ceiling-raisers for a deep playoff run alongside Davon Godchaux, who adds needed interior depth. In a wide-open AFC, it’s now or never, and I’m fired up that this front office is treating it like “now.”
Travis Holmes: The regime consistently claimed that they would be bold. They were hired to be aggressive in that regard while ushering in a new day in Jacksonville. They have certainly been bold, walking the fine line between calculated aggression and recklessness. The trade for Bates was, in my estimation, a franchise-altering move for Anthony Campanile’s defensive scheme. Godchaux providing additional interior defensive line depth for the low cost of a 2028 sixth is the cherry on top of what was already a fantastic class, headlined by the clear jewel, Davis. Personally, I loved the bold moves. Getting value back in trades is great when you’re already a perennial powerhouse. You know what’s even cooler, though? Becoming a powerhouse in the first place.
Gus Logue: I had the same reaction to the draft-day trade for Travis Hunter. Was it an overpay on paper? Sure. Can I guarantee that the acquired player(s) will ball out for Jacksonville? No way. In both cases, Gladstone took a major risk — but it comes with massive upside. The Jaguars could have the NFL’s most valuable non-quarterback, and now, maybe the first pro sports championship in Duval County. This franchise has been in the gutter for most of my life, but I don’t want them to just aim for ground level. Kudos to the Jaguars for shooting for the stars.
Henry Zimmer: The Jaguars went all in, and it makes sense. James Gladstone comes from the Les Sneed tree of not valuing draft capital if it means hanging a banner. And banners hang forever. The Jags took big swings but paid a solid price, so now they have to make good on those deals and win the whole thing.
Question 2: Are you ready to set Super Bowl expectations for the Jaguars?
Dillon: Not quite. As much as I’d love to let expectations fly with how dominant this team looks, I’m keeping both feet on the ground for now. After last year’s disappointing Wild Card exit, I need to see this group prove they can sustain this level of execution on the postseason stage before I’m ready to stamp them with Super Bowl expectations.
Travis: You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready. Some of us have been waiting for the day when we could finally set those expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. The literal night of the Jaguars’ playoff comeback against the Chargers, I stated the second-half victory would set the franchise back another two to three years by holding onto Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson, despite the fact that it seemed clear neither was forward-thinking in the way necessary to succeed in today’s NFL. The goal was always Super Bowl or bust, in my mind. The 2026 Jacksonville Jaguars have finally joined the rest of the modern NFL. Hell yeah.
Gus: While it’s inaccurate to say Jacksonville went “all in” at the trade deadline, their moves were certainly in the “win now” category. They recognize the opportunity that lies ahead. I understand that some scarred Jaguars fans will be wary of setting expectations too high — and it’s wiser to enjoy the present path than overthink the destination — but I also think it’d be healthy for us to start talking about the Big Game. I don’t want to reach the AFC Championship and still be thinking, “I don’t know, do they really have what it takes?” The Jags aren’t all in on this one season… but I am.
Henry: Whether we like it or not, by way of the trade deadline, you have to set Super Bowl expectations for Jacksonville. I worry a bit that this has gone a step too far and the Jags are not really the Super Bowl stratosphere but we have to expect them to be of that class. One home playoff game later and here we are!
Question 3: Who will be an X-factor for the Jaguars this week against the Titans?
Dillon: My X-factor this week is Parker Washington. Despite some big plays here and there, Washington has been held to under 5 receptions in five of his last six games. While much of that quiet stretch comes down to Jacksonville’s deep stable of pass catchers and a thriving ground game, Washington has also left a few plays on the field recently. Against a vulnerable Titans secondary, I’m betting he breaks out for another signature performance that has Duval tweeting “PAY THE MAN” on Sunday.
Travis: A.J. Brown? Derrick Henry? Jeffery Simmons? For a scrappy Tennessee Titans team that is clearly a shell of its former self, this one ultimately comes down to quarterback Cam Ward’s ability to extend plays and find the open receiver early and on time. This Titans offense is clearly hitting its stride, scoring 24, 26, and 36 points over the past three weeks of regulation. Over that three-game stretch, Cam is averaging just 196 yards per game with 1 touchdown and 1 turnover in each matchup, and a 61% completion rate. However, his ability to extend plays while scrambling has been invaluable in keeping this Titans passing offense on schedule and on the field over the past three weeks.
Gus: Bates and Davis are taking a personal bye week against the Titans. (They didn’t have a bye week this season with their former teams, and the Jaguars already had theirs, so the team is choosing to rest them this week.) The defensive tackle position should be okay with Godchaux getting added to the rotation, but at safety, Rayuan Lane III will have to hold up as a secondary starter for one more week. Can the Navy man add another takeaway to his resume before Bates replaces him?
Henry: The X-Factor on Sunday will be Quinn Ewers. How many passes can Ewers end up throwing if the real Jacksonville offense plays well? Do we live in a world where Cam Ward plays the whole game, and Ewers plays garbage time in the late third or fourth quarters, yet they have comparable stats? I think we do.
Final score prediction?
Dillon: Jaguars 31, Titans 17
Travis: Jaguars 38, Titans 17
Gus: Jaguars 30, Titans 13
Henry: Jaguars 35, Titans 6
What are your Week 10 predictions, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!
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