Six things the Titans noticed in their loss to the Jaguars on Sunday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Titans lost 20-13 to the Jaguars here at EverBank Stadium on Sunday.

Here’s a look at six things that stood out:

Spears gleamed, to the point of concussion

Titans running back Tyjae Spears has been one of the bright spots in recent weeks, and he continued that momentum on Sunday. Spears, who scored four touchdowns in the last two games, ran hard against the Jaguars. With Tony Pollard sidelined, Spears started the contest and rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries, including a long throw of 23 yards. At one point in the contest, Spears had 100 yards. But Spears suffered a concussion on a run when he lost five yards, causing him to fall below the 100-yard mark on the day. Due to the concussion, his 2024 season is now likely over.

Quarterback Mason Rudolph, playing in place of Will Levis, finished the game 19 of 31 for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the contest, along with a passer rating of 76.4. Rudolph’s interception came on a deflected pass, which was then intercepted by running back Julius Chestnut before a Jacksonville defender could intercept it. Rudolph made some nice throws and moved the offense at times. But like many Titans, he probably felt like he could have done more offensively after a 13-point performance.

After cutting the lead to 20-13 with 2:02 left, the Titans got the ball back and had a chance to tie the game late after a drive brought the ball to the Jacksonville 26-yard line. From my spot on the field, it looked like receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was breaking free for a potentially game-winning touchdown. But the pass was broken up at the last second and the ball fell to the ground, sending Tennessee’s hopes of a last-second rally to the turf.

Titans rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. beat himself up in the locker room after the game. Brownlee gave up a few games on Sunday, but he wasn’t alone. Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns with a passer rating of 122.2. Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas caught seven passes for 91 yards and a score and did some damage with Brownlee in coverage. Titans cornerback Roger McCreary was victimized for a hit by Jaguars receiver Parker Washington. “Sometimes I feel like I can be emotional and that makes me get off my game,” Brownlee said. “These are the little things I have to work on. I don’t think I played my best ball today – I gave up three big catches. …I will get better. I’ll be better next game, and next year I’ll be better will be even bigger.”

The Jaguars converted 8 of 13 third downs, many of them on quarterback sneaks or in third-and-short situations. The plays extended drives and allowed the Jaguars to hold the ball for long stretches in a low-possession game. It’s hard to blame the defense for losing a game when the offense scored just 13 points, but they didn’t do enough on this day. No one caused a turnover or made a game-changing play.

It was once again a sombre and quiet locker room for the Titans, who lost their fifth straight game and fell to 3-13. Coach Brian Callahan and his players remained preoccupied with answering questions about whether they’re numb to the defeats and whether it’s starting to feel like Groundhog Day. Everyone was visibly frustrated during this disappointing season. “I don’t even know what that is,” Ridley said of the Groundhog Day question. “But yeah, it feels like all year. It hurts every time you lose.” The Titans finish the season next weekend against the Texans.