Now that Gus Bradley is gone from the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0), the Tennessee Titans (0-1) now can rest assured they have the worst head coach in the NFL based solely on science and win-loss statistics in Mike Mularkey. Frankly, that has to be factored into everything when you discuss this Titans team facing anyone.
The Game: Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (+1.5)
The History
The rivalry between these two teams stretches all the way back to the Jaguars inception in 1995. Jacksonville and the then Houston Oilers have been in the same division before and after the NFL re-aligned in 2002. Tennessee leads the all-time series 25-20.
From December, 2998 to October, 2000 the Titans dominated this match up, winning five consecutive games including a road playoff match up in January, 2000, 33-14, that propelled Tennessee to their only Super Bowl appearance.
The Titans reeled off a second five-game streak from November, 2001 to November, 2003. The longest streak for Jacksonville was four games from December, 1996 to September 1998.
While the Jaguars won just three games last season, one of them was a 38-17 victory over the Mularkey-led Titans that knocked Tennessee out of the playoffs.
TENNESSEE TITANS (0-1)
In case you’re new to the site, never heard me on the radio or on the GMS podcast, I have a dim view of Mike Mularkey as a head football coach in the NFL. Truly, of all the coaches whose last names are synonyms for shit, Mularkey is the shittiest one.
Mularkey pulled a real Mularkey to open the game against the Oakland Raiders last week when he called a suprise onside kick to begin the game. The real surprise was the Titans didn’t recover it and, using the short field, the Raiders zipped right down the field for a quick touchdown.
The Raiders were able to run and pass on the Titans whenever they wanted, but this Tennessee defense won’t be facing one of the best offenses in the league this week. They will be facing a pretty stingy defense that shocked Houston a week ago and recorded 10 sacks. Marcus Mariota will be more difficult to get hold of than Tom Savage, I have to believe.
The key for the Titans in this one is keeping Jacksonville honest with the run game. The Jaguars have two young corners, but Mariota can’t be afraid to attack them when the chances arise. Delanie Walker is probably set for a huge game and don’t be surprised to see DeMarcu Murray and Derrick Henry used more int he passing game. Hell, it would be great if the Titans used Henry at all. He had just six carries for 25 yards last week against Oakland.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0)
The Jaguars got a rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown and a defensive touchdown last week. Add in a couple of field goals and they won going away. The Titans have a decent defense, but nowhere near the unit Houston fields, so whatever Leonard Fournette managed last week (26 carries for 100 yards and a score), you might want to double it.
New head coach Doug Marrone’s decision to go with Blake Bortles worked out, with Bortles not actively losing the game in a pedestrian effort of 11-for-21 for 125 yards and a touchdown. The most important part of Bortles’ stat line was no picks. They did lose Allen Robinson for the season with a torn ACL, but still have Allen Hurns and Marquise Lee, who should be able to step in and block downfield for Fournette and catch the occasional pass that Bortles puts in their hands.
I should apologize to the Jaguars of my early dismissal of Calais Campbell as an outside pass rusher. Though Campbell made his name as an interior lineman, if last week is any indication he was wasted there with the Arizona Cardinals. The Texans don’t have a great offensive line, make no mistake, but four sacks is still a huge total for any player against any team.
The Pick
The Titans are favored and they should be by talent alone. With Mularkey running the show, nothing would surprise me. The line, at least, is a gift if you’re going Tennessee. Titans 23, Jaguars 20
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 1-0
Season
Straight up: 10-6
Against the spread: 9-7
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