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Titans’ about-face results in shutout win, brighter outlook

Tennessee Titans linebacker Derick Roberson (50) celebrates the sack on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) Tennessee Titans linebacker Derick Roberson (50) celebrates the sack on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

By TERRY McCORMICK / The Associated Press December 13, 2021 5 min read

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans returned from their much-needed bye week and got their first home shutout since 2000.

On Sunday, the Titans bested AFC South rival Jacksonville 20-0 thanks to a defense that intercepted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence four times.

It was an about-face from the previous two games before the bye, when the Titans turned over the ball nine times with just one takeaway.

Tennessee’s defense had three sacks to go along with the four takeaways, including a sack on the Jaguars’ first play from scrimmage. The Titans also held the Jaguars to 8 yards rushing, a product of focusing on better tackling.

“We tackled exponentially better this game. It is good to see the things you emphasize and focus on translate to the game. That first play was a product of the coverage helping the rush,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Monday.