NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars’ 25-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans in a 2025 Week 13 game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
1. Bold statement. This was the sort of game good NFL teams win – and the Jaguars not only won Sunday, they won in steady and consistent fashion. The Jaguars entered Sunday knowing they were heavy favorites against a struggling team – with the Titans having lost six consecutive games – and also knowing a victory would mean playing for first place in the AFC South next Sunday at home against the Indianapolis Colts. That made Sunday a potentially tricky test for a Jaguars team that hadn't registered all that many one-sided victories this season. They handled the tricky task more-than capably, responding quickly to an early Titans 3-0 lead and gaining firm control of the game by early in the second quarter. The defense was suffocating. The offense took advantage of its good drives by finishing them with touchdowns. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was solid – and "solid" described a lot about this one. Solid was what the Jaguars needed Sunday. Solid was what they got. Solid has them tied for first place in the AFC South. They're a good team and they showed it yet again by making what was potentially a tricky game decidedly un-tricky. "You see a lot late in the year, these are kind of trap games," Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard said. "The maturity to win last week against Arizona [27-24] in overtime was clutch, but then that just carries over to this week. "You could tell everyone was dialed. It wasn't like, "Oh, whatever, we play the Titans." It was like, "Okay, we play in the NFL this week.' So that was big for us." Onward.
2. D-Fense. It's difficult to analyze Sunday's game without overusing words such as steady, solid and workmanlike. Those words define much about this victory, particularly on defense. The Jaguars on Sunday played without two of their best front-seven players – end Travon Walker and tackle Arik Armstead – and they remain without safety Eric Murray. Still, after an early Titans field-goal drive, the Jaguars steadied defensively and limited Tennessee to 35 yards and no points the rest of the half. The Titans for the game produced 188 total yards and 11 first downs, with the defense registering three sacks and a takeaway. Yes, the Titans are a struggling offense – and yes, rookie quarterback Cam Ward particularly struggled for them Sunday. But good teams in the NFL take advantage of those situations and the Jaguars did just that Sunday. "Campy (defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile) just continues to do a great job in his first year as a coordinator," Coen said. "The whole staff I thought had a really good plan, and the players executed at a high level. I thought the front and the coverage were in alignment in the back end especially, and we were able to get after the quarterback at a pretty good clip."
Brian Sexton, Senior Correspondent…
1. Many thanks. Thankful that on this, the 32nd anniversary of the Jaguars being awarded to the Weavers and the City of Jacksonville, the home team is 8-4 and in a first-place tie with the Colts atop the AFC South. Thankful also for the efforts of the Khan family to build a sustainable future in North Florida, the Miller Electric Center and the forthcoming Stadium of the Future. Thankful for the folks on the City of Jacksonville side of the equation who worked on the SOTF. Thankful for the football leadership team of Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli, General Manager James Gladstone and Coen and their efforts to build a team, an organization and a culture of which North Florida can be proud. Thankful for meaningful football as we reach Thanksgiving and the promise of much more to come as Christmas approaches. Thankful is an understatement and hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving also.
2. Improving. Lawrence was focused, determined and sharp late in the game in Arizona last Sunday. He kept it going in Nashville with a strong start and a gritty third quarter – a third quarter when the offensive line was in flux, his new go-to target Parker Washington was on the sideline with a hip injury and Lawrence was facing constant pressure from the Titans' front seven. He said after the four-turnover performance against the Cardinals he knew he had to play better, and find a balance between letting it rip and not having a careless disregard for the football. It looked like he dialed it in Sunday with a couple of nice touchdown passes and no turnovers. He was good. Hopefully that continues, because Lawrence to face a much greater challenge next Sunday with the AFC South lead at stake in a huge showdown with the Colts.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer...
1. You win some and you lose some. One of the aspects I admire most about this regime is not only its propensity to be bold, but also its ability to adjust in real time. Both sides of this were on display within the wide receiver group Sunday as Dyami Brown was a healthy scratch and the Jaguars' newest wide-receiver addition – veteran Jakobi Meyers – had a standout day. Brown signed a one-year deal during free agency this past offseason, but has failed to make his mark when given ample opportunity. With wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. returning from injury Sunday, Brown didn't suit up. But Meyers seems to be a massive win for the front office and showed out in his fourth game in a Jaguars uniform Sunday, scoring a touchdown with six receptions for 90 yards. Meyers has seamlessly blended into Coen's offensive system and already has earned Lawrence's trust. I imagine Meyers will be someone Gladstone would like to sign to a new contract and keep in Duval.
2. Injuries to key special teamers could be a loss that goes beyond this week. While injuries are part of the NFL, it can be a unique disadvantage trying to replace any of the "specialist" positions. Punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik both sustained injuries in Nashville but did finish the game. Matiscik seemed to reactivate a longstanding back injury while Cooke hurt his shoulder and laid motionless on the field after a block on a punt return. Washington also fell to the ground and allowed a punt to sail over his head as he attempted to play through a hip injury. Washington did not return to the game and his status remains unknown going forward. His loss would be a huge detriment to the offense but also the punt return game, where Washington has been an explosive playmaker.
