Effectively, at the very least we aren’t the Tennessee Titans.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have accomplished the season sweep over division rival Tennessee courtesy of a 20-13 win. That sport was definitely one of many soccer video games of all time.
Brian Thomas Jr. but once more showcased why he’s the cream of the crop when it comes to rookie go catchers and the Jaguars’ protection really displayed some life. In typical Jags vogue, the group got here one deflected go away from blowing it however that doesn’t matter as Jacksonville improved to 4-12 earlier than the ultimate sport of the yr. Draft inventory be damned.
WINNERS
Brian Thomas Jr.
This dude is definitely insane. BTJ completed his second sport in opposition to the Titans with a 7-catch, 91-yard, 1-TD exhibiting. In his two video games in opposition to the Titans, Thomas has 15 complete catches. Extra importantly, nevertheless, Thomas joined a listing of simply three different receivers to eclipse 1,100 yards of their rookie season: Randy Moss, Odell Beckham Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase. He additionally has 10 complete touchdowns this season only for good measure. There may be simply not rather more to say about this child apart from he’s a real-life star. He even hit the “too small” celebration in opposition to the Titans. The children could be all proper.
Protection general
With the very fact it was in opposition to a Mason Rudolph-led offense apart, the protection performed about in addition to it had all season. Devin Lloyd snagged a decide– which was the primary interception by this protection since Week 10– and the offense turned that right into a landing. Travon Walker, Maason Smith and Josh Hines-Allen all registered sacks. Antonio Johnson knocked away the potential game-tying interception and Jarrian Jones continued his spectacular rookie marketing campaign.
With two tackles for loss, @JoshHinesAllen has recorded his fourth-consecutive season with 10 or extra tackles for loss. That is the longest such streak in franchise historical past, passing DE Calais Campbell, DE Yannick Ngakoue and LB Telvin Smith (three). https://t.co/Ijq7rcX2et
— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) December 29, 2024
That is primarily what this protection was imagined to appear like all yr. The group’s finest gamers confirmed up and the rookies who had been drafted to make an impression did so. The Titans really outgained the Jags in the long run when it comes to complete yardage (337 to 295) however they by no means as soon as felt imposing exterior of that final drive. Three complete sacks, a decide and simply 13 factors allowed is an efficient day within the workplace irrespective of the way you spin it or who it’s in opposition to. Within the final 5 weeks, groups have scored over 20 factors simply as soon as in opposition to this protection. Possibly that is the proof of idea this group can use going into the offseason.
Maason Smith
Talking of Smith, it’s time he obtained his recognition individually. Smith has performed effectively in his spare minutes this season and has now gone back-to-back video games with a sack giving him three on the yr. Having Smith as a scratch a number of instances this yr continues to be a thriller as a result of clearly he’s a difference-maker. Trent Baalke nonetheless must go, however he did make some good strikes on this previous draft, Smith possible being one in every of them.
LOSERS
Draft Inventory
With the win, Jacksonville moved itself into the No. 5 general draft place forward of subsequent week’s season finale. The win possible strikes the Jags out of the Travis Hunter sweepstakes however oh effectively. The Jags drafted No. 1 general twice and haven’t carried out a lot with it. Possibly Hunter wouldn’t have made that massive of a distinction anyway. A win subsequent week will additional drop the group out of the highest 5, however profitable nonetheless feels good, particularly as a result of it’s over the lowly Titans.
Teaching employees
Who is aware of what is going to occur to Baalke, Doug Pederson, Press Taylor and even Ryan Nielsen after this yr. Most everybody thought these guys could be passed by now. Beating the Titans twice this season shouldn’t change that they need to be gone, however at this level it’s anybody’s guess. Regardless of the reward given to the protection, that unit continues to be a multitude. The offense is as risky because it’s ever been and that was true with Lawrence below middle. Everybody exterior of in all probability Nielsen will likely be out of a job by yr’s finish if issues go like they need to. However solely time will inform if Shad Khan will really pull the set off. For the fanbase’s sake, he ought to.