The Jacksonville Jaguars are highly regarded as a potential Super Bowl contender this year, but they’re off to a rough start after losing 17-10 to the Tennessee Titans.
• The Titans recorded seven sacks and intercepted David Garrard twice (he threw three all of last season). Cortland Finnegan had both interceptions after having one in his first two NFL seasons.
• The Jaguars were held to 33 yards rushing (1.9 yards per rush), their fewest in a game since Oct. 1, 2006 when they were held to 32 at Washington.
• Tennessee rookie Chris Johnson rushed for 93 yards (6.2 per attempt) in his NFL debut.
I realize Tennessee is coming off a playoff season and Vince Young keeps them competitive with his athleticism, but this game was still a shocker. For the Titans to hold the Jags to only 33 yards rushing was impressive. And Garrard only threw three interceptions total last year, but threw two in one game Sunday. For a team that is often regarded as one of the more physical squads in the league, Jacksonville was manhandled Sunday.
Speaking of Young, he continues to struggle in the passing game and eventually left the game on crunches after spraining his left knee. He threw for only 110 yards on 12 of 22 passing, and also added two interceptions. The home crowd even booed him on the second interception.
The defense is going to keep Tennessee in most games, but this team needs Young to develop (not too mention stay healthy) in the passing game or else there will always be a ceiling on the Titans’ success.
