JACKSONVILLE – Thirteen down, three remain.
Doug Marrone on Monday said he knew that much about where the Jaguars stand at this point in the 2017 regular season. Beyond that, the Jaguars' head coach said he has given the matter little thought.
Division-title scenarios? Playoff scenarios?
If Marrone knew the details of those topics as they relate to the AFC South-leading Jaguars, he wasn't indicating as much on Monday.
"How many [games] do we have [remaining]? I don't know,'' Marrone said with a laugh a day after the Jaguars beat the Seattle Seahawks, 30-24, at EverBank Field.
"I just know this: I've got the players coming on Wednesday, and I'm going to work by butt off to have the best Wednesday we can have. I know who our opponent is this week and they're the two-time division champ (Houston Texans).
"I know they're coming in here and that's where I try to keep the focus."
Marrone added later with a laugh, "There are three games left. I acknowledge that. I don't want to look like an idiot."
The Jaguars' victory over the Seahawks coupled with Arizona beating the Tennessee Titans Sunday moved the Jaguars (9-4) a game ahead of the Titans (8-5) for first place in the AFC South.
The Jaguars and Titans play at Tennessee in the regular-season finale on December 31, but the Jaguars can clinch the South with victories in the next two games and a Tennessee loss in either of those two games. The Jaguars play host to Houston (4-9) Sunday and visit San Francisco (3-10) on December 24. The Titans visit San Francisco Sunday and play host to the Los Angeles Rams (9-4) on December 24.
All indications as of Monday are that the Jaguars can clinch at least a wild-card spot with a victory over the Texans Sunday. The NFL office will confirm playoff scenarios for Week 15 later this week.
The Titans and Buffalo Bills (7-6) currently hold the two AFC wild-card spots just ahead of the Baltimore Ravens (7-6), Los Angeles Chargers (7-6) and Oakland Raiders (6-7).
"We haven't accomplished anything right now," Marrone said. "All we have accomplished are nine wins and we have four losses."
The Jaguars' last playoff appearance came in 2007. They have won two division titles in franchise history – the AFC Central in 1998 and 1999. The Jaguars never have won an AFC South title.
Also on Monday:
*Marrone discussed running back Leonard Fournette, saying the rookie appears improved physically after dealing with a lingering ankle issue since an October loss to the Rams at EverBank. Fournette, who has rushed for 923 yards in 11 games this season, rushed for 101 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown Sunday and looked as confident and aggressive on the ankle as he has since sustaining the injury. "It's exciting," Marrone said. "He's coming off a nagging injury; I guess 'nagging injury' would be the best way to put it. He's been working hard. It was good to see him go out there and make those tough runs. That's going to be important for us going down the stretch, being able to run like he can.'' …
*Marrone discussed how the team handled Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett diving at the knees of center Brandon Linder as the Jaguars snapped and knelt to run the clock in the final moments of the game. "My responsibility is – if I see something on the field that's a play or an action caused by either my players or someone else's play – to hand it into the league," Marrone said. "Player safety is the No. 1 issue. Those things go to the league and the league does a good job handling that. That's the way I usually take care of it." Asked if the Bennett play would be sent to the league, Marrone said "I'm sure we'll have discussions with the league. Yes." …
*Marrone on the hands of Jaguars defensive backs: "Normally, guys that can't play receiver go to DB. That's the joke offensively. But I think all of our guys could go play receiver. That's a credit to them. They do have really good hands." Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye is tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions and had two off Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson Sunday. Free safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Jalen Ramsey both have four interceptions, with Ramsey registering one Sunday. …
*Marrone said he expects to know more about the status of linebacker Telvin Smith and wide receiver Allen Hurns later this week. Smith has missed the last two games with a concussion and Hurns has missed the last four games with an ankle injury. "Hopefully I'll know before Tuesday night and before we start game planning so I'll have a better idea tomorrow in the afternoon before we really put a game plan together," Marrone said. …
