With a division opponent next up, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of a major bounce back.
Jacksonville was walloped in a 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. Now, the team will stay in Duval to play the Tennessee Titans in their first of two games against the division rival this year.
The Titans haven’t had a great season so far, but head coach Mike Vrabel and his team also seem to be a threat to steal a game from the Jaguars.
Here are five Jaguars players to watch when they play the Titans in Week 11:
QB Trevor Lawrence
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence didn’t have his best game last week. In fact, it was probably his worst performance of the year.
Lawrence ended the game against the 49ers with 185 yards — his second-lowest total of the season — two interceptions, a lost fumble, and no touchdowns. But now he has a chance to get right against a worse defensive unit.
Tennessee’s defense will always be competent under Vrabel, but this year’s squad has been underwhelming. The unit has a league-lowest three interceptions and is allowing 7.2 passing yards per attempt, tied for the fifth most.
LG Walker Little
Jaguars offensive tackle Walker Little struggled in his first full game at left guard. And if he doesn’t step up his play, he might not have the starting spot for long.
Little had a brutal 29.2 Pro Football Focus grade against the 49ers. It’s a large part of the reason San Francisco had five sacks and four tackles for loss.
Little was trusted with the guard spot, but Jacksonville traded for former Minnesota Vikings lineman Ezra Cleveland ahead of the trade deadline. If Little doesn’t improve against the Titans, Cleveland could replace him in the lineup.
WR Christian Kirk
Wide receiver Christian Kirk has been the most consistent facet of Jacksonville’s offense this season. Kirk was the only productive part of the unit against San Francisco, and he may need to do the same against Tennessee.
Kirk finished Week 10 with six catches for 104 yards, leading the team in both. In need of a bounce-back game, Lawrence will likely look to his go-to receiver.
Kirk will go against a secondary consisting of Sean Murphy-Bunting, who has put together a solid season, and Kristian Fulton, who has yet to live up to his second-round status.
OLB Travon Walker
Jaguars edge rusher Travon Walker’s second season hasn’t quite lived up to the hopes of Jaguars fans. However, he has an opportunity to improve his season outlook Sunday.
The Titans’ offensive line doesn’t have many strong blockers, and starting left tackle Andre Dillard hasn’t been available at practice due to a concussion. Against a banged up line and a rookie quarterback, Walker could have a good day.
The 2022 first overall pick has 3.5 sacks so far this season, matching his total from his rookie year.
LB Foye Oluokun
Linebacker Foye Ouluokun is to the defense as Kirk is to the offense. Oluokun is productive every week, but last week was one of his best performances.
While the Jaguars were unable to stop the 49ers, Oluokun finished with nine total tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss.
This week, he will be needed to stop Titans running back Derrick Henry, who is never easy to bring down. And if he can get pressure on Will Levis like he did against Brock Purdy, the rookie could have a rough day.
