Jaguars vs. Titans: 5 Players to Watch in Week 18

The final game of the Jaguars’ regular season has arrived and it figures to be as important as any game this season. The Jaguars, more or less, face a win and they are in scenario. If they do in fact lose, the AFC South will likely be awarded to the winner of Saturday night’s contest between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. That said, the Jaguars can remove all doubt if they can best the 5-11 Tennessee Titans.

Here are my five players who need to propel the Jaguars to their second-straight division championship.

Evan Engram

Evan Engram, debatably the Jaguars’ most deserving Pro Bowl snub, has entered rare territory, becoming just the eighth tight end to cross the 100-receptions mark in NFL history. Engram has amassed 104 receptions, 884 yards and three touchdowns, just 12 receptions shy of the Jaguars’ franchise record and NFL tight end record.

Engram became the Jaguars’ most consistent and dependent weapon throughout the 2023 season. While injuries have affected much of the Jaguars’ receiver room, it’s been Engram who’s been there week-in and week-out. Whether it is C.J. Beathard or an injured Trevor Lawrence who starts Sunday, both will look to the star tight end to keep the offense moving.

Anton Harrison

Anton Harrison has already cemented himself as the Jaguars’ best pass-protector in just his first year in the league. The former Oklahoma Sooner ranks first among rookie tackles in pass-protection and his Pass-Block Efficiency of 97.5 is tied for 10th among 92 qualifying NFL tackles.

The rookie tackle has not allowed a single pressure in either of the last two weeks. In fact, Harrison has not been credited with a sack since Week 8’s contest against T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s only getting better and Press Taylor and the Jaguars’ hope his upward trajectory continues against Arden Key and the remainder of the Titans’ defensive line.

Travon Walker

The Jaguars’ defense is no doubt headlined by star pass-rusher Josh Allen, however, his partner in crime, Travon Walker, has been equally impressive. Coming off of a disappointing rookie rampage, many were curious if Walker would ever develop into the premier pass-rusher Baalke had hoped he might be when he selected him first overall. In his second season, Walker has definitely helped to ease the doubts of Jaguars’ fans.

Last season, Walker notched 3.5 sacks on 43 pressures. This season, Walker is up to nine sacks with a much improved 55 pressures. He’s certainly got the potential to turn in a double-digit season as Tennessee’s offensive tackles allow more pressures than any other pair in the league. Allen and Walker could have another career day Sunday.

Devin Lloyd

Walker and Devin Lloyd could go toe to toe for the team’s most improved player in 2023. Lloyd had a promising start to his rookie season before being benched in favor of fellow rookie Chad Muma. When training camp started back up in August, Doug Pederson made it clear that Lloyd would begin the season as the starter once again next to Foye Oluokun.

That decision has done wonders for the Jaguars’ defense as Lloyd has quickly developed into one of the better young off-ball linebackers in the NFL. He is currently Pro Football Focus’ 7th highest graded (87.0) run defender at the position and his seven pass break-ups rank second. He’s still learning but his improvement shouldn’t go without notice or credit. With Derrick Henry set to lineup opposing him, Lloyd will be relied upon to stop the future hall-of-fame running back.

Rayshawn Jenkins

The Jaguars’ defense has had its fair share of ups and downs this season. To start, they were among football’s best but have struggled more recently. Rayshawn Jenkins, however, has stood out as of late. In coverage, the safety has shown out compared to his season’s past. He’s allowing an NFL Passer Rating of just 71.2 in coverage.

It’s also important to note that Jenkins has been utilized much more fluidly this season. In the last three weeks alone, Jenkins has three pressures, a sack and an interception, atop his 16 tackles. The Jaguars’ defense handled the Titans in their last matchup; Jenkins and the rest of the unit are certainly capable of a repeat performance on Sunday.