AFC South: Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Two of the Houston Texans’ rivals, the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, faced off today in Jacksonville, FL. Both of these teams seem to be in a state of flux as Tennessee started with their new QB Matt Hasselbeck and the Jaguars played under the offensive leadership of new starting QB Luke McCown.

This match-up was significant for the AFC South where the Indianapolis Colts have reigned supreme for the last few years. The winner of this game would finish with a 1-0 record in the division, a stat that could mean the difference between a playoff appearance and another disappointing season. Perhaps more importantly, however, is the momentum that can be built upon after coming off of a win in the first week of the season.

Jacksonville struck first in this game when RB Maurice Jones-Drew exploded through a hole in the middle of defense for a 21-yard touchdown. K Josh Scobee added three more points to the Jaguars lead with a field goal in the second quarter. At the end of the first half the score was Jacksonsville 10 – Tennessee 0.

However, Tennessee was not going to take this game laying down. After the Jaguars added another three points off a Scobee fieldgoal late in the third quarter Tennessee put up their first points with an 80-yard hookup between Hasselbeck and WR Kenny Britt. The Jaguars added yet another fieldgoal at the beginning of the third quarter to put them up by nine points. Tennessee responded late when Hasselbeck found Britt again, this time for two yards, for another touchdown.

The Titans were able to force a three-and-out for the Jaguars and regained possession of the ball with 1:45 left in the fourth quarter. Hasselbeck began putting together a string of plays that was driving his team down the field. With 23 seconds left in the game he spiked the ball and effectively stopped the clock. The Titans were at their own 46-yard line and needed to reach Jacksonville’s 46-yard line in order to be within K Rob Bironas’ fieldgoal range.

With the final 20 seconds of the game ticking away Hasselbeck took a three-step drop, flung the ball down field for Kenny Britt and was intercepted by DB Dwight Lowery.

The Jaguars won this game 16-14.

Matt Hasselbeck looked solid for the Titans as he finished 21/34 for 263 yards and 2 TDs.  Jacksonville’s Luke McCown ended the day 17/24 for 175 yards with no TDs. Maurice Jones-Drew led the rushing game where he racked up 97 yards rushing and added a TD. Kenny Britt dominated the receiving game with his five receptions for 136 yards and two TDs.

Neither team looked particularly good in this game. The Jaguars won on fieldgoals alone and the Titans came up short when it mattered most. Both teams have yet to face the Houston Texans but should begin preparing now. The Texans dominated the Indianapolis Colts 34-7.