Titans vs Jaguars Week 14: 3 things that stood out

Back-ups stepping-up

Going into this game, safety Kenny Vaccarro was a late scratch with an illness.

That thrust Amani Hooker into the spotlight next to Kevin Byard. In his last start in place of Kenny Vaccaro (against Baltimore) Hooker came away with an interception that set the Titans up to win the game.

However, throughout Hooker’s career, he has been up and down and really hasn’t done enough to generate buzz behind the starters. Well, he found a way to show that he doesn’t need a turnover to have a good day as he was solid all day long without any big mental lapses.

Tye Smith was another backup that had to play significant minutes due to Breon Borders being put on the injured reserve list. When he has come on the field this season, Smith hasn’t given anyone a reason to assume that he should be starting over Borders when both are healthy.

Against the Jaguars, Tye Smith did his job, and he did it well. With one pass deflection and a tackle for loss, it is safe to say that Smith played his role. It will be interesting to see how he plays moving forward as Borders will not be back until Week 16.

Finally, Geoff Swaim is the third-string tight end for the Titans, and he looked like the second or even starter in this one. As a former Jaguar, Geoff Swaim got a little revenge in this one, with a five-yard touchdown on a play-action play and a 19-yard reception that nearly led to another score.