By Hays Carlyon
The Jaguars had the chance to win the AFC South title on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
They took full advantage.
After a shaky first few minutes in which the Titans went up 7-0, the Jaguars took control.
The result was a 41-7 win. The Jaguars built a 31-7 halftime lead in handing the Titans the most lopsided loss in the rivalry’s history.
The Jaguars captured their fifth overall divisional crown and third in the AFC South.
Coach Liam Coen inherited a 4-13 team. A year later, the Jaguars are 13-4 heading to the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak.
Man, they look like they might have staying power in the tournament.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence continued his torrid play. By halftime, Lawrence had completed 16 of 19 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for a passer rating of 145.9. He was subbed out of the game with 13 minutes to play in the fourth quarter shortly after eclipsing 4,000 passing yards on the season.
The run defense is the best in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game. The Jaguars entered Sunday’s game allowing 86.1 rushing yards per contest. Tennessee ran for 77 yards.
The Jaguars defense also continues taking the ball away. Safety Antonio Johnson had a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown that pushed the Jaguars lead to 21-7. The Jaguars have picked off a franchise-record 22 passes this season.
So, the Jaguars:
*Have the hottest quarterback in the NFL.
*Stop the run as well as anyone.
*Usually win the turnover battle. They’re now plus-13 on the season.
*Have a kicker that amazed us all again. Cam Little connected on a 67-yard field goal at the end of the first half, the second-longest kick in NFL history and longest outdoors. Little set the record at Las Vegas with a 68-yarder earlier this season.
That is a recipe that can absolutely lead to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.
The AFC landscape has greatly changed this season. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and perhaps Lamar Jackson will be watching the playoffs at home.
Does anyone really fear top seeds Denver and New England?
This is the best team this organization has taken into the playoffs since the 14-2 team in 1999.
This Jaguars team is more well rounded than the 2017 team that reached the AFC Championship Game with an incredible defense.
This Jaguars team is way better than the plucky but largely mediocre 2022 edition that reached the divisional round of the playoffs.
The harmony that owner Shad Khan, EVP Tony Boselli, general manager James Gladstone and Coen have created should serve them well.
But it comes down to this.
The Jaguars have the most dangerous, balanced team in the AFC entering the playoffs. No one plays better complimentary football in the AFC than the Jaguars.
I believe the Jaguars will reach the Super Bowl.
I’ll see you in Santa Clara.
(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X/Twitter @HaysCarlyon).
