NFL

Jaguars Review: 5 key moments from loss to Tennessee Titans

Phillip Heilman
phillip.heilman@jacksonville.com
Tennessee quarterback Blaine Gabbert (center) is sacked by Jaguars defensive tackles Calais Campbell (left) and Malik Jackson during the first half Sunday. Gabbert was injured on the play and did not return. [AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton]

Five key moments from the Jaguars' 9-6 loss to Tennessee on Sunday:

1. FAKE PUNT FAILS

Situation: Facing fourth-and-4 from their 46-yard line, the Jaguars' fake punt fails to convert a first down.

Analysis: Jaguars coach Doug Marrone took full responsibility Monday for the fake punt that resulted in a turnover on downs to end the team's second possession. The Jaguars lined up with tailback Corey Grant on the far right side of the formation and brought him in motion prior to the snap. Safety Cody Davis took the direct snap and handed off to Grant on a jet sweep, but Tennessee, which scored on a fake punt in Week 2, was ready. Grant was initially hit several yards in the backfield and stumbled to the 47. The Titans took possession and took a 3-0 lead on the following drive. "If I knew that was the way the game was going to go, then I probably would have kicked it there," Marrone said Monday.

2. GABBERT KNOCKED OUT

Situation: Facing third-and-19 from Jacksonville's 44, Tennessee quarterback Blaine Gabbert is injured.

Analysis: Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson is hoping to avoid a fine from the NFL after being flagged for lowering his helmet to hit Gabbert. The play in question came on Tennessee's second drive and resulted in a significant momentum swing. Facing third-and-19, Gabbert was swarmed by the Jaguars' defense and fumbled upon being hit by Jackson. Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler recovered the fumble, but Tennessee kept possession because of the penalty. What briefly looked like a turnover instead gave the Titans a new set of downs, which led to a field goal. Gabbert (concussion) left the game and did not return. He was replaced by Marcus Mariota, still nursing an elbow injury, who completed 12 of 18 for 100 yards and ran for 51 yards. Asked if he could have done anything differently on the play, Jackson said: "I really don't think so, to be honest with you, except probably not chase him. And then I would probably have the coaches on me." Gabbert finished 1 of 3 for 8 yards.

3. OFFENSE BACKS UP

Situation: The Jaguars' offense has first-and-10 from Tennessee's 23.

Analysis: The closest the Jaguars came to entering the red zone in the first half was on a productive drive during the second quarter that started at their 38 and had moved to the Titans' 23. A series of mistakes quickly brought it to a halt. On first down, receiver DJ Chark ran a quick stop route on the right side but dropped a pass from quarterback Blake Bortles. On second down, the Jaguars called a quick pass to the left to receiver Dede Westbrook, but receiver Donte Moncrief was flagged for holding while trying to block on the outside. On the ensuing second-and-20, a pass to receiver Keelan Cole near the right sideline was either tipped at the line of scrimmage or simply dropped. Bortles ran for 5 yards on third down, and the Jaguars had to settle for a field goal. They would not enter the red zone once all game.

4. TITANS CONVERT KEY THIRD DOWN

Situation: Facing third-and-5 from the Jaguars' 43 during the fourth quarter, the Titans pick up a first down.

Analysis: The Jaguars brought extra pressure at Mariota with linebackers Myles Jack and Telvin Smith blitzing up the middle. However, the Titans' offensive line was able to hold up just long enough for Mariota to make a play. The elusive quarterback shuffled a few steps to his right, set his feet in the pocket and hit receiver Corey Davis for a gain of 12. Davis ran a rub route with receiver Rishard Matthews on the right side of the field to get inside position on cornerback A.J. Bouye and bring in the catch. The drive ended with Ryan Succop's go-ahead 28-yard field goal.

5. TITANS STAY ON THE FIELD

Situation: Facing third-and-1 from their 33 late in the fourth quarter, Mariota converts again.

Analysis: Trailing 9-6, the Jaguars burned their second timeout with 2:31 remaining in the fourth quarter to set up a key third-and-1. Mariota was in the shotgun with tailback Dion Lewis to his left. At the snap, the Titans ran a zone read. Tennessee left defensive end Yannick Ngakoue unblocked and he hit Lewis in the backfield, but Mariota kept the ball. As Mariota ran, Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan got a piece of Smith to open a hole. Mariota dashed through it for a gain of 15. With a new set of downs, the Titans bled the clock. The Jaguars regained possession with 19 seconds remaining and did not have enough time to put a drive together.

Phillip Heilman: (904) 359-4063