JACKSONVILLE — This was impressive. Really impressive.
The Jaguars on Thursday night not only beat the Tennessee Titans for the first time since 2016, they did so in dominant fashion – registering nine sacks and winning 20-7 in a nationally-televised prime-time game at TIAA Bank Field.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey as expected started and played after requesting a trade earlier in the week. He proved little distraction and the Jaguars in fact played their best game in close to a year. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II threw two touchdown passes and won his second NFL start.
Maybe the victory won't completely calm the rough waters created by Ramsey this week, but it moved the Jaguars to 1-2 – and they're obviously still very much in a muddied AFC South.
Let's get to it …
Nathan from Nowhere
Zone, the Jaguars are looking pretty good early – for a college team, that is.
This was the much-ballyooed, always-anticipated, rarely disappointing First Email of the Game. I can only imagine it was intended to be funny. Don't give up, Nathan. Comedy ain't easy.
Big on Blake from Philly
Leon Jacobs and Quincy Williams can tackle. It's impressive considering it has been a weak spot for this defense of late.
The angst among many observers this offseason over the loss of weakside linebacker Telvin Smith wasn't shared inside the building. Rookie weakside linebacker Quincy Williams was the primary reason, and he has been impressive early. Regarding Jacobs: good eye. The second year strongside linebacker appeared to have one of his better games Thursday.
Marc from Oceanway
How confident are you that Foles will start when healthy?
We're not there yet. I'm not saying it's not headed in that direction, but we're not there. Yet.
James from Phoenix, AZ
Zone: Has the quarterback controversy begun? Minshew has been doing amazing. I'm a little gun shy but I really think we got something here.
We're not there yet. I'm not saying it's not headed that direction, but we're not there. Yet.
Chris from San Diego, CA
It feels so good to finally have a quarterback that can consistently complete a forward pass.
There's really no call to be mean, but yes … the play of Minshew has been impressive. He has shown a knack for pinpoint throws, back-shoulder accuracy and NFL-level decision-making. And to address your point … yes, this is better quarterbacking than the Jaguars have had for a while. A long while.
Scott from Wichita, KS
MOODACHAY MOOSTASHIO!!!
Indeed.
Antony from Columbia, SC
Taven Bryan getting good penetration early, Good to see.
Second-year defensive tackle Taven Bryan got penetration multiple times Thursday, and also got a second-half sack. This comes in the wake of a good performance last week in a loss at Houston. If he keeps this up, fans will have someone else to overly obsess about and prematurely criticize. No worries. They'll find someone.
Jerell from Columbia, SC
Norwell stinks. Another bad signing.
I thought you "retired," but yeah … left guard Andrew Norwell appears to have struggled early this season.
Joyce from Jacksonville
Tom Brady was a sixth-round draft pick! The stache looks good. I realize its early but hope springs eternal.
I was going to issue a standard reminder that just because six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady was a sixth-round selection doesn't mean every sixth-round quarterback is going to be great, but what the heck. May the stache spring eternal.
Mike from Boscobel, WI
Jalen who?
I laughed at this.
Jordan from Jacksonville
I'm starting to wonder if Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette is even an average running back. I just don't get why they don't put anyone else in the game.
The Jaguars have built a lot of their offense around Fournette – not only running but as a receiver out of the backfield. If he and the offensive line have many more games in which they struggle to run as they did much of Thursday, they may have to start working rookie Ryquell Armstead in in spots. But offensive coordinator John DeFilippo has been consistent in saying Fournette's going to get as many reps and touches as he can handle. I doubt that changes soon.
Tudor from St Augustine, FL
The MVP of this defense has been and always will be Campbell's Chunky Soup. Proof in the pudding tonight ... pass rush has no need for a diva cornerback ... bye Felicia.
Campbell and the Jaguars' pass rush was stunningly effective Thursday – and yes, a dominant pass rush always trumps an elite cover corner. That's not to say cornerback Jalen Ramsey isn't very effective. And I would have signed him to position-defining contract before the events of the last few says. But if all is equal, you take the elite pass rusher over the elite corner.
Joe from Houston, TX
Do you think it will be a bit awkward for Minshew when he is forced to change his number after the team signs Tebow?
I laughed harder at this.
