How the Titans stack up against the Jaguars, Colts and Texans in the AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Just a few years removed from an AFC Championship appearance, the Jaguars look destined for another full-blown rebuild. The Titans have had no trouble with the Jaguars recently and I expect that to continue in 2020.
Quarterback:
Gardner Minshew took the league by storm in 2019, and after trading away Nick Foles, it seems like the Jags intend on giving Minshew every opportunity. Tannehill returns as the starter for Tennessee, and after an impressive 2019, he should be in for another big season. Tannehill is more proven and better right now.
Edge: Titans
Running Back:
Leonard Fournette has been on the trade block for a while now, and if he’s on his way out, the Jaguars don’t have much behind him. Chris Thompson was signed from the Redskins, but he’s more of a receiving back. The Titans return the rushing champ and also have the speedy Darrynton Evans from App State in place of Dion Lewis. Titans have an easy edge here.
Edge: Titans
Wide Receiver:
The Jags will trot out stud DJ Chark, alongside Chris Conley, Laviska Shenault, and Dede Westbrook. The Titans have AJ Brown, Corey Davis, and Adam Humphries. I’d probably give the edge to the Jaguars if I had to pick, but it seems pretty even to me.
Edge: Draw
Tight End:
The Jaguars brought in Tyler Eifert, and if he stays healthy, he should be an upgrade. Josh Oliver is also on the roster, but he hasn’t done much in his short career. Tennessee’s duo of Jonnu Smith and Anthony Firkser has chemistry with Tannehill, and are both solid pass-catching options.
Edge: Titans
Offensive Line:
Outside of Brandon Linder, the Jaguars don’t seem to have much to be excited about on the line. Andrew Norwell has been a massive free agent bust, Cam Robinson has always underperformed expectations, AJ Cann is serviceable, and Jawaan Taylor is young and unproven. Tennessee has continuity on the line, and that goes a long way.
Edge: Titans
Defensive Line:
A couple of years ago, the Jaguars arguably had the best defensive line in the league. Now, Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Marcell Dareus, and Dante Fowler are all gone. Ngakoue might be the next to go. Since Ngakoue is still there, and because Josh Allen is a stud, the Jags still get the edge over the young Titans d -line.
Edge: Jaguars
Linebackers:
The Jaguars overpaid for an average linebacker in Joe Schobert, but Myles Jack and K’Lavon Chaisson should be solid. Everyone knows I rave about the Titans’ duo of Evans and Brown. The Titans have the edge here.
Edge: Titans
Secondary:
Once again, another area the Jaguars easily would have had the edge a couple of years ago. Fortunately for the rest of the AFC South, AJ Buoye, Jalen Ramsey, Tashaun Gipson, and Barry Church are all gone from Duval. What’s left in the Jags’ secondary is a mix of journeyman veterans and unproven young guys. Other than rookie CJ Henderson, this isn’t a good secondary. Tennessee has two solid starters in Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler, and one of the best safety duos in the league in Kenny Vaccaro and Kevin Byard.