JACKSONVILLE – The end is near, but we're not quite there.

The Jaguars on Sunday will play host to their AFC South rival, the Tennessee Titans – and if it sounds like a familiar matchup, there's a reason: The teams played earlier this month, with the Jaguars rallying to win, 10-6, in Nashville.

They will play at EverBank Stadium on Sunday in the Jaguars' 2024 regular-season home finale – a game with a familiar tone for the Jaguars.

That's because it's the team's fourth consecutive game between teams with few – if any – hopes for the postseason. That has given the end of the Jaguars' season an odd dynamic, with professionalism and pride the prevailing themes.

You never want a long run of late-season Pride Games. But considering the Jaguars (3-12) were eliminated from the postseason in a December 1 loss to the Houston Texans, that was the Jaguars' reality through a dreary and disappointing season.

The Jaguars grinded out a victory in Pride Game No. 1 against the Titans. They sustained narrow losses the last two weeks to the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders in Pride Games Nos. 2 and 3. If those three games are an indication, the Jaguars will play with desire and want-to in Pride Game No. 4 – and they will very much try to win.

Here are 10 things the Jaguars must do Sunday to do that:

1. Get the ball to BTJ – and soon. This is a recurring theme and figures to remain a key through season's end. When the Jaguars have succeeded offensively recently, it has been when rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been heavily involved. They have targeted Thomas early and often lately. No need to stop now.
2. Stop Pollard. The Titans, like the Jaguars, are struggling offensively. A bright spot has been running back Tony Pollard, a 1,000-yard rusher who is having his best NFL season. The Jaguars must limit Pollard and force a struggling pass offense to make plays.
3. Push the ball downfield – carefully. Quarterback Mac Jones protected the ball well last week with his first interception-free game as the Jaguars' starter. That's a positive, because his interceptions have been costly. But the Jaguars need more plays downfield to strain the defense. The trick for Jones remains balancing downfield throws with being safe. That's has been a tough balance.
4. Stay focused. The Jaguars have played hard in recent weeks and it has been hard to question their will. But concentration appeared to be an issue last week against the Raiders, with multiple pre-snap penalties and mental errors. That's not unexpected for a team eliminated from the postseason, but it's tough to win that way – even against other eliminated teams.
5. Hold the ball. Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby and tight end Brenton Strange have been bright spots this season. Both lost fumbles last week. They're too important to take out of the game plan, and they must protect the ball for the Jaguars to win.
6. Pressure the passer. The Jaguars haven't gotten enough pass rush this season, but rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith has improved in recent weeks. His interior pressure should help defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Titans quarterbacks Will Lewis and Mason Rudolph have struggled protecting the ball this season. The Jaguars must make that continue.
7. Cover deep. The Jaguars secondary has given up faaaaaar too many big plays this season. Until the secondary improves and stops making key errors at big times, a lot of other things on this list are moot.
8. Run. The Jaguars haven't run consistently enough this season. They have shown flashes of running effectively in recent weeks. They must show more flashes to help Jones. Having Jones throw too much is asking for a later turnover.
9. Attack. This is the defensive philosophy of first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Attack. Be aggressive. Nothing cheap, nothing deep. The Jaguars must channel that Sunday against a capable, dangerous offense. Keep it going.
10. Because they're the Titans. This isn't technically something the Jaguars must do to win, but there's something in here somewhere. The Jaguars with a victory Sunday will sweep the Titans for a second time in three seasons. That won't save the season, but to longtime fans it would mean something.