Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Jaguars Wire

The Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) welcome the Tennessee Titans (1-1) to TIAA Bank Field on Thursday as they look to record their first win of the season.

Ahead of the matchup, Jaguars Wire managing editor James Johnson spoke with us on the Titans’ AFC North opponent. Be sure to follow James and Jaguars Wire for analysis and news on Jags this year.

1. The Jaguars have had quite the situation at quarterback this season. What is your take on Gardner Minshew and what he looks like moving forward?

He’s looking like a player who should’ve been drafted in the top three rounds as opposed to the sixth round. Of course, Jags Wire and the fan base are cautiously optimistic about him, but it’s odd, yet great, to see a quarterback with accuracy. Right now, he has a 77.6 percent completion rate, which is insane, especially after years of watching quarterback Blake Bortles. With Jalen Ramsey probably leaving soon (in a trade), fans will be able to turn their attention back to the great story Minshew is. If he continues his success, the Jags will have a hard decision to make when Nick Foles is healthy.

2. Which Jaguars player has his best day against the Titans on Thursday?

I’ll say running back Leonard Fournette because the Titans are the No. 26-ranked team against the rush. Additionally, he’s been kind of quiet and is due for a 100-yard game. He’s had flashes throughout weeks 1-2, but it hasn’t been consistent. Right now, he only has 113 rushing yards over the course of 28 carries and no touchdowns. Those aren’t good figures for someone who is supposed to be the engine of the offense. Hopefully, that will change soon with the nation watching.

3. Is there a lesser-known Jaguars player fans should turn their attention to on Thursday?

Receiver DJ Chark, for sure. He was the Jags’ second-round selection last year and had a rough rookie campaign despite showing great promise in training camp. This year, the things he showed at practice are translating to the field. At 6-foot-4, he has blazing 4.3 speed and is a superb athlete who has made some highlight catches. He currently leads the team in receiving with 11 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown in both of the Jags’ 2019 games.

4. The Jaguars are 0-2 right now. Which areas do they most specifically need improvement in to bounce back?

Discipline, most importantly. They have to eliminate the penalties they’ve inflicted upon themselves, especially with a rookie quarterback behind center. Right now, they’re tied for third in the league with 19 penalties and have cost themselves a total of 141 yards. Next, the run game has to get going. The offensive line has to stop getting beat up front and establish themselves as the physical group fans expected them to be. Additionally, Fournette needs to be more of a creator with the ball in his hands. Sure, the blocking hasn’t been the best, but a top-fi pick of his caliber can usually generate some form of offense even when the conditions aren’t the best.

5. Final score and predictions.

There is too much going on with the Jags right now in terms of distractions due to the Ramsey situation. However, on the flip side, they’ll be relatively healthy. Unfortunately, I’ll still take the Titans in this one. Titans 20, Jaguars 17

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