JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser examines the day that was around EverBank Field Monday, two days after the Jaguars' 38-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Saturday's 2016 home finale …
"FINISH STRONG"
Doug Marrone's attention remains on the short-term.
As far as what others may say about his future, the Jaguars' interim head coach said for now that's not his priority or concern.
Marrone was named the Jaguars' interim head coach last week after Gus Bradley was relieved of his duties as head coach, and the Jaguars were impressive in a 38-17 victory over Tennessee Saturday. But Marrone on Monday said he didn't agree with the notion that "the reality" is that he's auditioning for the permanent head-coaching position.
"You may say it's a reality, but if that's the case then I'm probably not living in a real world," Marrone told reporters on a conference call Monday. "Obviously, the players went out and did well. If the players didn't go out and play well, would that be a reflection on me or not? I don't know."
The Jaguars, who had lost nine consecutive games – a franchise single-season record for most consecutive losses – never trailed against the Titans. They held the Titans to 263 total yards offense, and the Jaguars' offense produced its second-most yards of the season.
It was perhaps the Jaguars' best performance of the season, and one that helped eliminated the Titans from postseason contention.
"I've been a head coach before," said Marrone, who coached the Buffalo Bills to a 15-17 record as head coach in 2013 and 2014. "I think I have a pretty good track record if someone wants to work back at the things I have done or how I have handled things.
"I'm still focused on the assistant coaches here and I'm still focused on the players and making sure that they can finish strong. No matter what direction the organization goes in, at least there is a pretty good taste in everyone's mouth about what this team may have the ability to do in the future."
INJURY UPDATE
Running backs T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory both left Saturday's game with injuries. Yeldon did not return after sustaining a left ankle injury; Ivory returned briefly after a right hamstring injury, but left again shortly thereafter and did not return.
Tight end Neal Sterling and wide receiver Arrelious Benn remain in the concussion protocol after missing Saturday.
Running back Denard Robinson (ankle), wide receiver Allen Hurns (hamstring), defensive tackle Jordan Hill (calf) and linebacker Sean Porter (hamstring) also will appear on the injury report Wednesday after missing Saturday's game.
POSITION TO WATCH
Without Yeldon and Ivory for much of the game, the Jaguars rushed for 84 yards on 28 carries Saturday.
Ivory rushed for 45 yards on 14 carries and Yeldon rushed for five yards on two carries. Second-year veteran Corey Grant played extensively in the second half, rushing for 27 yards on nine carries.
The Jaguars' offensive line also played through injuries, with Tyler Shatley starting at left guard. He is the sixth player to play left guard for the Jaguars this season.
"You have to be able to trust those people who are coming in," Marrone said. "Those players worked hard in practice and they obviously worked at the game plan. They were ready to go in and really play well. … We're happy, but it's something we expect. When players have an opportunity, we expect them to take advantage of it."
Marrone also said right tackle Jermey Parnell has played his best three games of the season in the last three games.
THIS ONE GOES TO 11
Because of a slew of injuries at tight end, the Jaguars on Saturday played "11" – one running back, one right end, three wide receivers – personnel much of the game. Tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Julius Thomas are out for the season and Sterling is in the concussion protocol, leaving Ben Koyack and Alex Ellis available at tight end. Marrone said the Jaguars' situation last week – knowing the injuries before the game – was preferable to having the injuries occur in the game. "I've been in games where we have been taken out of personnel groups for injuries," Marrone said. "That has happened and you have to be able to adjust. … It is tough when it happens during the game. I don't think it's as tough when it happens early in the week and you're able to prepare the team to play that way."
QUOTABLE
"I see someone who goes out there that is extremely competitive, hand as confidence within his ability to get the job done. I still to this day cannot tell you what the ceiling is on him. He's still a very young player. He's still learning every day. There is no telling how great of a player he could be."
--Marrone on rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey
