Jaguars (9-7) at Titans (5-11)
Sunday, January 7 | 1 p.m.
Nissan Stadium, Nashville
TV: CBS Radio: WGOW-AM/FM
The Titans will limp out of 2023 and into 2024 with a depleted roster, not sure if their new starting quarterback will be on the field and/or if it will be a swan song for Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry.
At any rate, the only thing left for Tennessee this season is to try and play spoiler against Jacksonville at home. A Tennessee win would keep the Jaguars from winning a second consecutive AFC South crown and might keep them out of the playoff altogether, depending on how things fall.
First down
Enjoy the moment. It could very well be Ryan Tannehill under center and Derrick Henry at running back playing their final games for the Titans. Both have been cornerstones of the most recent run of success (as distant as it seems right now), and one last chance for them to get a win would be a nice send-off, assuming that neither re-signs here for next year.
Second down
Pressure the quarterback. Denico Autry (11.5 sacks) and Harold Landry (10.5 sacks) have had quiet-but-solid seasons as pass rushers. The question is will they be trying to bring down Trevor Lawrence, who missed last week with an injured shoulder, or former BGA standout C.J. Beathard, who led the Jags to a win over Carolina in Lawrence’s absence.
Third down
Protect Levis and/or Tannehill. No matter who has been under center, the Titans have been atrocious in pass protection this season. The smart move would be to sit Levis, who now has a foot injury to go with his ankle issue, thanks to the porous offensive line. Whoever plays quarterback will need some protection and time to throw in order to have any success.
Fourth down
Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate. The Titans have nothing to play for except pride. They will be depleted on both sides of the ball. But when the coaches evaluate the tape they’ll be looking for players who stood out and showed something even in less-than-ideal circumstances. For players who might not know the Titans future plans for them, it’s one more chance to make a lasting impression.