Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 24, 2012 (edited) With quarterback Jake Locker close to full strength and running back Chris Johnson back to All-Pro form, the Tennessee Titans haven't given up trying to sneak into the playoff picture. Having two games left against the Jacksonville Jaguars certainly shouldn't hurt their cause. With little margin for error, well-rested Tennessee heads to Jacksonville on Sunday looking to take advantage of a Jaguars team that's coming off a wild overtime defeat. Tennessee trails wild-card leaders Pittsburgh and Indianapolis by two games, but coach Mike Munchak believes his team has a chance to make a seemingly improbable run to the postseason. "It seems to happen every year in the league," Munchak said. "This is our opportunity, our chance to be that team. That's how they have to believe it, that's how they have to work." Coming off their bye, the Titans (4-6) will try to string some wins together after snapping a two-game skid with a 37-3 victory at Miami on Nov. 11. It was the team's most lopsided win since a 47-7 romp over St. Louis on Dec. 13, 2009. The Titans could be in for another big day offensively against a Jacksonville defense that has allowed 31.3 points during its seven-game losing streak. Having three-time Pro Bowler Chris Johnson back to his old self should help. Johnson, who averaged 42.0 yards and 2.9 per carry in his first five games, has run for 130.4 per game on 6.7 per touch to help the Titans win three of their last five. He's likely to find more room to run against the Jaguars (1-9), who allow 137.3 yards per game on the ground - 29th in the NFL. Tennessee also should have a nearly 100 percent Locker under center after he returned from a five-game absence and completed 9 of 21 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins in his first career road win. Locker, who hadn't played since injuring his left shoulder against the Texans on Sept. 30, should be confident facing a Jacksonville secondary that allowed five touchdowns and 527 passing yards -- tied for the second most in NFL history -- to Houston's Matt Schaub in a 43-37 overtime loss on Sunday. "It doesn't feel any better or worse than it did going into the Miami game," Locker said of his shoulder. "It feels strong and I expect it to be that way the rest of the year." While the Titans have their QB back, the Jaguars lost starter Blaine Gabbert for the season when he suffered a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder in the first quarter against the Texans. Gabbert, who has started all 10 games for Jacksonville, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. Even before coach Mike Mularkey knew the severity of Gabbert's injury, he'd already named Chad Henne the starter after the former second-round pick stepped in and completed 16 of 33 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns in Houston. "He just came out and made a lot of things happen, and that's what we're looking for," Mularkey said. "Just to try to find the production that's going to help us win the game." Henne, who will make his fifth appearance this season, has a career 13-18 record as a starter with 30 touchdowns and 35 interceptions -- all during his four previous seasons with Miami. Justin Blackmon emerged as Henne's favorite target and looks to build off his breakout effort on Sunday. The No. 5 overall pick reeled in seven catches for 236 yards and a touchdown against Houston -- nearly matching his season total of 250 receiving yards entering the contest. The Jaguars, trying to avoid the first eight-game losing streak in franchise history, have a chance to continue last week's success against a Tennessee defense that has allowed 30 points or more in seven of its 10 games. Jacksonville, though, is still without two key weapons. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) is likely to miss at least one more game while receiver Laurent Robinson was placed on IR after sustaining his fourth concussion of the season. The teams split their 2011 meetings, each winning at home. Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Time to see if last week was the typical Jags road performance that's been the norm this year (I think it was) or if it's something more. Edited November 28, 2012 by Vin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted November 25, 2012 Give me the Tits 24 17 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted November 25, 2012 The Titans should win this one... but the Jags seem to have found something in Henne and Parmele, and Justin Blackmon. I don't think the Jags find that spark again, but if they do, this might actually be a game worth watching. 31 17 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted November 25, 2012 The Jaguars may have something in Chad Henne. Today should tell whether last week was an aberration or a sign of things to come. For now, I'm sticking with my bet-against-the-Jags philosophy. 34 20 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 25, 2012 Jaguars FS Dwight Lowery (ankle) is active and starting for first time in six weeks. Rashean Mathis (groin) is also active, though Aaron Ross draws the start at right cornerback. Jaguars inactives: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, FB Greg Jones, DL Jeris Pendleton, DT D'Anthony Smith, G/C Steve Vallos, S Chris Harris, and CB Will Middleton. Titans declared RB Jamie Harper, WR Lavelle Hawkins, S Al Afalava, QB Rusty Smith, DT DaJohn Harris, OT Byron Stingily, and LB Xavier Adibi inactive for Week 12 at Jacksonville. Harper went down with an ankle injury before the Titans Week 11 bye. Chris Johnson could see goal-line carries Sunday with Harper out of the lineup. Darius Reynaud and newly promoted Darren Evans will be the backups. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 Chad Henne is Gabbert's worst nightmare. Good drive so far by the Jags. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted November 25, 2012 Titans have already sacked Henne 3 times. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 Henne to Marcedes Lewis for 23 yards and a first down on Titans 10. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 Also,where the fuck is Jalen Parmele? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted November 25, 2012 TD Rashard Jennings on 3rd and goal. Barely got in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 25, 2012 Jags take a 7-6 lead into the half. Titans aren't very good, but then, we're not very good either. Should be an interesting second half. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 (edited) Cecil Shorts' TD makes it 14-6 Jags. Edited November 25, 2012 by housemd Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 25, 2012 Cecil Shorts is a beast. 14-6 Jags. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted November 25, 2012 Cecil, I approve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 Jags defense is very good today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted November 25, 2012 This change of scenery is doing wonders for Henne. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 TD Justin Blackmon! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted November 25, 2012 This change of scenery is doing wonders for Henne. Picked Henne up in your league, pretty happy about it now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted November 25, 2012 Might not be as spectacular as last week, but Henne is getting the job done. Blaine Gabbert may as well put his house on the market now, because he won't be there much longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
housemd 338 Posted November 25, 2012 TD Kenny Britt! 21-19 Jags. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 25, 2012 Titans close the gap to two. Not liking where this is headed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted November 25, 2012 Closed it out with a Locker INT. Jags moving forward and out of the very... er.. miniscule shadow of Blaine Gabbert. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted November 25, 2012 Titans are pretty bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CampinWithaMissingPerson 2,025 Posted November 25, 2012 Titans are pretty bad. Yep. One of the only teams our Jags can beat at this point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
