3 things Tennessee Titans need to improve before game vs. the Jaguars

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to make a hand off during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Nashville,Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to make a hand off during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Nashville,Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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Tennessee Titans CB, Malcolm Butler.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 15: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts catches a touchdown pass against Malcolm Butler #21 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Limiting long drives

The Titans defense was solid all game and definitely outperformed the Titans offense. The defense held the Colts in check for most of the game; however, the defense will need to play tighter to give the offense better field position and opportunities. The best way to do this will be for the Titans to limit the long drives.

The Colts owned the time of possession for 31 minutes of the game and converted 50% of their 3rd downs. Allowing opposing teams to consistently convert on 3rd downs will exhaust the defense and cause major momentum shifts in the game.

Early in the game, the Colts converted three third downs on their way to a 12-play touchdown drive. While the Titans did force two turnovers and five punts, they also allowed the Colts to sustain three drives of 8+ plays. The Titans offense had eight drives starting within their own 30 yard line. For an offense that cannot seem to get on track, the Titans defense will need to provide better opportunities moving forward.

Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew has shown an ability to sustain drives in the past two games. In past seasons, the Jaguars have been most successful when they have limited the time Mariota has been able to get the ball to dissect their secondary.

Kevin Byard and Logan Ryan have been fabulous up to this point in the season, but Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson really need to step up to stop the Jaguars receivers.

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