Observations from the Jaguars week 11 victory on TNF over the Titans

1) This win means meaningful games post-Thanksgiving

For the first time in years, the Jaguars are legitimately in the hunt for the division title. For the first time in years, the team legitimately has momentum and confidence. It doesn't matter what the state of the rest of the AFC South is, because for a young team to be in this position is huge. A loss to the Titans would have likely put the season to rest, but now the team has something more to play for instead of just shallow victories when the season is already lost, like prior years. The Jaguars had their first "big" game under Gus Bradley last night, and they did not disappoint.

2) Bortles bounced back

For some reason, some people seemed disappointed with Bortles' play after the game. He had one truly terrible throw (the INT) and slightly missed on a couple of other throws, but 21/30 (70% completion) for 240+ yards is a good outing, for anybody, especially considering he had one of his all time worst games just 4 days prior. The offense had issues scoring, but they were able to sustain drives and limit crucial mistakes, for the most part. This was a step in the right direction for Blake.

3) Need to figure out red zone woes if they want to make noise

If the Jaguars truly want to pull off the upset and take the division by storm to end the year, they need to figure out why they can't score in the red zone and what they can do to fix it. It seems like every week the team figures out a new way not to score on the opponents goal line. Be it INTs, or running Toby 4 times into the back of his OL, or dropping TDs, or now ignoring T.J. Yeldon in favor of Denard. I think the team needs to keep Yeldon on the field and start calling for more PA and safer routes, but who knows how they adjust. All we know is they need to do something.

4) About time McCray gets back on the field

Demetrius McCray finally saw meaningful snaps with the starting defense last night after Gratz was near disastrous in the first half. The truth of the matter is, Gratz has been the worst starter on the defense throughout the season and has frequently been the favorite victim of the opposing QBs. Had it not been for some serious miscues by the Titans O, Gratz's play could have cost the Jaguars big time. I am not sure if McCray replacing Gratz is a permanent fixture, but it should be.

5) I am sorry, Windmill

I have given Andre Branch a lot of grief over the last 3 years. A. Lot. But to close a huge win with a sack is one effective way to make me shut up.

Weekly superlatives

Offensive Player of the Week: Allen Robinson

Had a breakout party on primetime TV. Didn't score, but was the best player on the field time after time.

Defensive Player of the Week: Jared Odrick

Made big plays vs both the run and the pass to continue his solid season. Has been a great addition.

Best Play: Greene's punt return.

It's fair to say the Jaguars probably don't win this game if Greene doesn't take that punt back. Period.

Rookie of the Week: Rashad Greene

For all the reasons listed above.

Hanxed It Award: The Refs

Some of the worst officiating I have seen this year. Those PI calls on the Titans TD drive were truly horrendous.

Stat of the week: Gus Bradley is 3-0 on TNF.

Go Jaguars. Go America.