JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville Jaguars look toward the future, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is emerging as a crucial asset amidst the team’s rebuilding efforts. In a rainy matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars secured a 20-13 victory, effectively sweeping the season series for the first time in three decades. Mac Jones played a pivotal role, throwing two touchdown passes, one of which marked Thomas’ fifth touchdown catch in as many games.
Jones completed 15 of his 22 attempts, amassing 174 yards, with a significant portion of those passing yards directed at Thomas. The LSU first-round draft pick achieved seven receptions totaling 91 yards, and his 11-yard touchdown reception with slightly more than seven minutes left in the game provided him with eight outings of over 60 yards and a touchdown. This performance ties him with the legendary Randy Moss for the most such games by a rookie in NFL history.
“Brian continues to wow us each week,” said Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, whose own future with the franchise remains uncertain. “There’s so much to commend about him.” Additionally, Thomas became the fifth player in Jaguars history to register double-digit touchdown receptions in a single season, joining the ranks of notable players such as Allen Robinson and Marcedes Lewis.
“It feels amazing to achieve some of these milestones,” Thomas remarked. “I’m not fully aware of all the records, but I have heard some, and it’s a wonderful accomplishment.” Meanwhile, the Titans, now sitting at 3-13, find themselves in a position to improve their chances for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, potentially eyeing a new franchise quarterback while securing last place in the AFC South. The Jaguars, finishing at 4-12, have ensured a third-place position in their division.
The stakes were relatively low in this Week 17 contest. The Jaguars initially appeared dominant, building a 13-0 lead thanks to successful field goals. However, the Titans fought back with an 85-yard drive to begin the second half, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph to an unguarded Nick Vannett. Late in the game, the Titans managed a field goal, narrowing the deficit to seven points, and with 1:29 left, Rudolph led a drive to the Jaguars’ 26-yard line. Nevertheless, safety Antonio Johnson thwarted a fourth-down pass attempt, solidifying the Jaguars’ victory.
“He was focused on the receiver the entire time,” Johnson noted regarding his crucial play. “As soon as I recognized the throw, I made my move. Sealing the game felt fantastic.” Rudolph, in his second consecutive start due to Will Levis’ absence, connected on 19 of 31 passes for 193 yards and one touchdown amidst one interception. The Titans are now on a streak of five consecutive losses and have won only one of their last eight games.
“I hope the players haven’t grown indifferent to all of this,” said Titans coach Brian Callahan. “I certainly haven’t. It’s a painful situation. There’s no enjoyment in this, and I feel it every day at work. Our focus is to address the issues at hand and improve our team for the future.”
In terms of personal achievements, Jacksonville’s Josh Hines-Allen edged closer to the franchise sack record by bringing down Rudolph in the third quarter. Hines-Allen now has 53 career sacks, just two shy of matching Tony Brackens’ franchise record.
Additionally, the game saw Boris Cheek become the NFL’s all-time leader in officiated games, reaching his 461st game in 29 seasons, surpassing Walt Coleman’s previous record of 460 games worked over three decades before his retirement in 2018.
Injuries also played a role in this matchup, as Titans running back Tyjae Spears was assessed for a concussion late in the third quarter after carrying the ball 20 times for 95 yards. Due to injuries affecting the offensive line, Tennessee had to rely on their third-string right tackle, John Ojukwu, after backup Jaelyn Duncan suffered a shoulder injury early in the game.
The Jaguars faced their own injury woes, with right guard Brandon Scherff exiting the game due to a shoulder issue but returning later on. Looking ahead, the Titans will conclude their season next Sunday against division champions, the Houston Texans, while the Jaguars will visit Indianapolis to wrap up a challenging year marked by double-digit losses.
