JACKSONVILLE – This one felt one-sided from the start.
Not that the Jaguars didn't fight. They stayed close for a quarter and a half, but All-Pro running back Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans felt in control throughout – and dominated enough through the middle quarters for a 31-10 victory at TIAA Bank Field Sunday.
One result? The Jaguars lost a 12th consecutive game, extending their franchise record for consecutive losses in a single season.
Another result?
Quarterback Gardner Minshew made his first appearance since Week 7, replacing an ineffective Mike Glennon and playing the final quarter and a half. He threw a touchdown on the first drive. His next two drives ended with incompletions inside the Tennessee 20.
Head Coach Doug Marrone said afterward he had an idea of who will start at quarterback next week against the Baltimore Ravens, but that he didn't want to announce it yet because he hadn't spoken about it with the two quarterbacks. That's as good a place to start this O-Zone Late Night as any.
Let's get to it …
Daniel from Jersey City, NJ
O-man, not going to lie, it was fun there to see Minshew on the field again.
Minshew indeed was fun to watch Sunday. At times. As usual. He entered the game in the third quarter and gave the Jaguars a familiar spark. Then, it wasn't as sparkly. My guess is Marrone will go back to Minshew for the final three games because … well, because "why not?" Does he give the Jaguars the best chance to win? That's hard to say. Glennon did some nice things in three games that Minshew did not in terms of throwing the ball downfield, not checking down too much and giving the receivers a chance to make plays. He did that some on Sunday, but he also didn't move the offense enough. Minshew's legs helped give the Jaguars some energy for a series or two – and he clearly can do that. The reality remains what the reality has been all season. There's really not a quarterback on the roster that gives the Jaguars a great chance to win. Getting one remains the Jaguars' top priority as a franchise.
Zac from Austin, Tejas
Say what you will, he is on occasion entertaining to watch.
This is undeniable about Minshew and should never be questioned.
Reuben from Jacksonville
The coach said rookie quarterback Jake Luton gave the team the best chance to win. He went 0-3. Then he said Glennon gave the team the best chance to win. Same result. Both times they were so bad they forced a replacement. Seems to me if you can't identify your best players you aren't a good coach.
What if the problem is there's not enough difference in any of the quarterbacks to matter? Is that the head coach's fault?
Royce from Duval
It appears that there is no quarterback on the Jags team that gives them the best chance to win.
Right.
The Other Michael from Middleburg, FL
This team keeps inventing new ways to disappoint us.
This was the much-ballyhooed, oft-criticized, mega-hyped First Email of the Game. It came moments after kicker Aldrick Rosas slipped while attempting a 53-yard field goal on the game's first series. Titans defensive lineman DaQuan Jones blocked the kick, so … yeah.
Scott from Rehoboth Beach, DE
I'm a fan, but this franchise looked pitifully pathetic today. I went in today, wanting a win for the players. Now 1-15 is all I want. Hopefully, the next GM does not callously disregard the QB position if the 2021 pick doesn't excel.
Sunday was a bad day.
Sascha from Cologne,
Hey John, this team doesn't look like a team that is one good draft away from being a good football team. What do you think they will be competitive again?
I don't know that the Jaguars are one good draft from the postseason. I do believe they're a good quarterback, and a stouter defensive front from being much more competitive than they have been this season. There are lot of promising players on the roster, including some at some hard-to-find positions. But some important factors must be put in place around those promising players. It starts with quarterback.
Zac from Austin, Tejas
It has definitely not been a "slept on story" but the absence of Josh Lambo has had a serious effect on our season.
I suppose.
Rob from St. Augustine, FL
Please stop wearing black. Teal is the one thing that makes us unique. Please pass this info. I don't know who else to tell. This is important.
I suppose.
Scott from Atlantic Beach, FL
Marrone taking timeouts down three touchdowns with less than five, after watching the game! Total clown move.
So, we're criticizing Marrone for trying to stop the clock when his players are still fighting and playing hard? Look, there are many reasons to criticize a lot about what's going on with the Jaguars this season. But that?
Tom from My Couch
How much of Lot J will be owned by Derrick Henry? Go Jets.
Tom's got jokes.
Jeremy from Wise, VA
Pitiful. Every phase of the game.
The Jaguars don't have a front-line quarterback and they have a young, injured and outmanned defense. The surprise isn't that a contending team pulled away for a victory over the Jaguars Sunday. The surprise is that the Jaguars played so many contending teams so close for the last month.
Jerell from Columbia, SC
Jags are a trash team. OK. Carry on.
Jerell was awake Sunday. Whee.
