The Tennessee Titans played hard and put up a fight, but their defensive lack of depth was exposed by the explosive Jacksonville Jaguars offense in a rough 40-23 loss.
Cam Ward and the offense looked better but couldn't get the rushing attack going, lost the time-of-possession battle, and eventually couldn't keep pace with Trevor Lawrence, who carved up the Titans' secondary. The Titans' defense did what it could, but the lack of depth eventually took its toll.
Tennessee had some chances, but in the end, they couldn't make a play when they needed to.
Final Score: Jaguars 40, Titans 23
Keys to the Game
- Time of possession: The Jaguars controlled the clock and tempo throughout the game, taking advantage of the Titans' undermanned defense on critical downs.
- Splash Plays: Once again, the Titans' defense couldn't prevent splash plays, and that difference made the difference between getting off the field and giving up points. The Titans' secondary again gave up too many yards and had no answer for Parker Washington.
- Lack of depth: The lack of depth on defense really took its toll on Sunday, and the Jaguars took advantage of communication issues for some big plays, allowing Jacksonville to pull away late.
It was over when...
The Jaguars stopped Tony Pollard on a fourth-down run late in the fourth quarter, ending any hope of a miracle comeback.
Players of the Game
- K Joey Slye: Slye continued his outstanding season, connecting on all his kicks, including three field goals over 50 yards. Slye was the most consistent weapon all afternoon and even chipped in with a thunderous special-teams tackle that forced a fumble.
- LB Cedric Gray: Gray led the charge for Tennessee's undermanned defense, recording nine total tackles (eight solo) and his first career interception. Gray and the Titans held up against the Jaguars' rushing attack, but struggled to keep Trevor Lawrence in check.
- RB Tony Pollard: Pollard showed why general manager Mike Borgonzi was reluctant to trade him, and he again was the heartbeat of the offense. Pollard rushed for just 37 yards on nine carries, but he caught eight passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries
The Titans lost safety Tony Adams to a concussion in the fourth quarter, and
his loss hurt. Already playing without Amani Hooker, who was traded to Buffalo, the Titans' depth was tested. Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was also banged up and finished the game on the sidelines.
What's next?
Titans head coach Robert Saleh will meet with reporters on Monday afternoon to wrap up the week and set the stage for Week 11. Select players may be made available after Saleh's press conference.
Tennessee will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 11 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CDT.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Jaguars expose Titans' lack of depth, overwhelm Tennessee, 40-23
