Jaguars vs. Titans: Week 2 Jags Wire staff picks and predictions

It’s game day once again and the Jacksonville Jaguars are in a shocking predicament two weeks into the season. After a Week 1 win against the Indianapolis Colts, a Week 2 win against the Tennessee Titans would shockingly put them ahead of the division.

Of course, that will be easier said than done when looking at the Jags’ all-time record of 21-30 and away record of 9-16 against the Titans. Oh yeah, there is also Derrick Henry to deal with.

So, just how confident is the Jags Wire panel in the Cardiac Cats this week? Here’s our Week 2 predictions for you all to analyze before kickoff:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Jaguars 20, Titans 17

Jaguars fans are well aware of Derrick Henry’s success against their team, but when looking back at his success against them he hasn’t necessarily been strong against them in September these last two seasons. In 2018, he only had 18 carries for 57 yards and in 2019 he only had 17 carries for 44 yards (and a touchdown). While it’s hard to expect that without Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus, I think if they hold him to the 80 or 90-yard range they have a chance. A key to this could be the play of rookie DaVon Hamilton, who had some solid moments in his rookie debut.

Additionally, I’ve always wondered how the Jags would fare against the Titans without Blake Bortles behind center or Nick Foles, who many were never 100% confident in from the jump. With Adoree Jackson out at cornerback, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Gardner Minshew II continue his success in the quick passing game. Afterward, I could see him making a few clutch deep passes and putting the Jags in position to win off a Josh Lambo field goal.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Titans 23, Jaguars 17

The youth movement proved to be successful in Week 1. A partial upside is that many of these players don’t have any firsthand experience when it comes to the Jags’ struggles against Tennessee. Gardner Minshew II is 1-0 against the Titans and 3-2 against the AFC South. But even with all that being said, Derrick Henry LOVES playing this team and Marlon Mack’s early success before his injury doesn’t instill any new confidence in this Jaguar run defense. I believe this will be a close game, but Tennessee played much better than their Week 1 score indicates.

Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis): Titans 23, Jaguars 20

The Jags got the season off to a surprising, yet encouraging start, besting the playoff-hopeful Indianapolis Colts. Rookies James Robinson and CJ Henderson were incredible in their debuts and Gardner Minshew was as reliably consistent as ever. The Jags, however, have not defeated the Titans in Nashville since 2013 and runningback Derrick Henry has been a pain in the Jaguars’ figurative donkey for the better part of his career. I think Jacksonville makes this a close one, but Tennessee has the better overall roster, even without cornerback Adoree Jackson and receiver A.J. Brown.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Titans 31, Jaguars 27

The Jaguars haven’t won in Nashville since 2013. That alone speaks trouble. Coming off of a huge win last week, the Jags might be in a bit of a victory hangover. Derrick Henry may once again have a huge game with multiple touchdowns.

Will Frost (@willfrost_): Titans 31, Jaguars 20

The Jaguars shocked the league last week with a victory against the Colts, but repeating the feat this weekend will be a much harder task. While I believe the team understands what they have with this offensive unit, the defense still struggled to shut down the run game against Indianapolis. Derrick Henry should have no problems duplicating the early success of Marlon Mack.

Hopefully there won’t be any 90+ yard highlights we’ve seen over the years, but the Jaguars will probably come back down to earth a little this afternoon.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Titans 24, Jaguars 10

Coming off a shocking Week 1 victory, the Jags look to continue their winning ways as they take on their favorite division rival the Tennessee Titans. The Jags struggled against the run last week until Marlon Mack’s injury and I expect those problems to continue when they face Derrick Henry. On the flip side, the Jags have to find a way to slow down Jadeveon Clowney and company to allow Gardner Minshew II time to operate. Unfortunately for the Jags, they’re not able to keep both Clowney and Henry in check as the Titans win an ugly one.

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