Dec 24, 2011; Nashville,TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) drives across the goal line for a touchdown against Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE
A week ago it looked like the Tennessee Titans could roll over the Jacksonville Jaguars this week on their goal to win out the rest of the season. After the Jaguars fight against the Houston Texans, things aren’t looking quite as easy. Here’s three Titans who need to perform well against the Jaguars:
CB Jason McCourty
McCourty has been an up and down player this season. He’s let some big plays go, but he’s also made some big ones. The most important thing to me is that he always seems to be in the place to make the play. He’s had two to three interceptions go through his hands this year and has still come down with a couple of picks and some fumbles. Jaguars QB Chad Henne and WR Justin Blackmon are hoping to run the boards against the Titans like they did last week against the Texans. The Titans need to not have that happen. McCourty needs to be on top of his game. I think he will be.
QB Jake Locker
He played well against Miami a few weeks ago, though his accuracy left room to be desired. He needs to be accurate, which should be easier this game as he should be more settle in to the starting position again. He also needs to be able to use his legs as effectively as he did against the Dolphins, where he converted a few key 3rd downs, one specifically after getting tripped up at the line of scrimmage and falling down. I expect a franchise QB performance from Locker on Sunday, but you never know. That Jaguars defense would love to tear him apart.
WR Kenny Britt
It’s been a rough season for Kenny coming back from a destroyed knee. He’s no Adrian Peterson. The Titans have spoken of getting him more involved and wide receivers coach Dave Ragone has expressed his faith in Britt returning to form. The Titans would sure enjoy it if he did it in this game. They’ve been leaning heavily on rookie WR Kendall Wright and if they can take some of that weight of him, he should be able to excel even more. This offense with Kenny Britt performing well should be one of the hardest in the league to control.
The Titans are returning from a bye week, something that, if my memory serves me right, has never been a friend to them. I think things will be different this time though. We saw progress from both the offense and defense in the win over Miami. If the defense plays like it did in Miami, there’s nothing to worry about.
Enough speculating, though. I’m ready to watch the game.
You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart