
Tennessee Titans (2-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville – TV: NFL Network
*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
*Keys to the game: The Titans had their hands full trying to move the ball against the Panthers, whose speed at the second level was problematic for the short-range missiles Tennessee has convinced QB Marcus Mariota to fire. He threw for just 185 yards with no touchdowns and the Titans had only 64 yards rushing last week. With injuries everywhere, the Titans will be challenged to exploit matchups and lack ideal depth. Third downs have been a big issue for the Titans, who are converting just 31.8 percent to first downs this season.
Cornerback and wide receiver are positions of concern on both sides, feeding expectations for a defensive struggle.
Injuries might sabotage the plan for balance, leading to concern for QB Blake Bortles. RBs T.J. Yeldon and Bernard Pierce are questionable and Bortles is already under the gun on a short week trying to prepare for all the exotic blitzes that are the trademark of Titans assistant head coach/defense Dick LeBeau. Top receiver Allen Hurns (abdomen) will play through a sports hernia, he said Wednesday, and the Titans’ secondary has struggled to defend over the top when the pass rush fails.
*Matchup to watch – Titans OLB Brian Orakpo vs. Jaguars LT Luke Joeckel: Orakpo has a QB sack in three straight games and is becoming the type of disruptive player the Titans hoped they were getting when they gambled on him in free agency. Joeckel has been a bit of a disappointment as the No. 2 overall pick in 2013, and the Jags may have to help him if the running game sputters due to injuries.
*Player spotlight – Jaguars RB Denard Robinson: Late in 2014, Robinson appeared to be climbing toward a feature back role. He has had little chance to contribute this season but Yeldon’s foot injury and Pierce’s availability could push Robinson into a big role against the Titans.
*Fast facts: Hurns has a TD catch in a franchise-record seven consecutive games. … Jaguars coach Gus Bradley is 10-31 with the team. … Tennessee is averaging 38 points in two wins this season, both on the road. The Titans have scored 10 or fewer points in their past four losses.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Avert your eyes: Jacksonville breaks out the gold jerseys and puts up just enough offense to keep the scoreboard from sleep mode to win back-to-back games for the first time since December 2013.
*Our pick: Jaguars 18-13.