Titans are still fighting (literally) despite another embarrassing blowout loss

It's been a long time since the Jacksonville Jaguars did the Tennessee Titans like that.

The visiting Jaguars put a pummeling on the last-place Titans, cruising to a 25-3 win at a lifeless Nissan Stadium that was never that full to begin with. The loss is the Titans (1-11) worst in its longstanding rivalry with Jacksonville since a 30-point defeat in 2006. The Jaguars have now won six of their last seven against the Titans.

With the loss, the Titans are officially eliminated from playoff contention and clinch at least a share of last place in the AFC South.

Rookie quarterback Cam Ward had one of his least productive days as a pro, throwing for 141 yards on 38 attempts. The Titans offense went three-and-out four times and four-and-out once more.

All three of the Titans' AFC South rivals have now beaten the Titans by three scores at least once in 2025.

Tempers flare

A minor brawl broke out early in the fourth quarter on a Jaguars punt play. Running back Julius Chestnut kicked off the affair with an unnecessary roughness penalty on a block that went to the ground, triggering a series of pushes, shoves and scrums. Titans safety Mike Brown was ejected as a result of the incident, and three other personal fouls were assessed, including penalties against Jacksonville's punter and long snapper.

This game was the fourth time in 2025 that the Titans have been penalized 10 or more times.

An offensive faceplant

The game started off well for Ward and the Titans' offense. Ward led an 11-play, 70-yard field goal drive to give the Titans an early lead, set in motion by a couple explosive runs by struggling back Tony Pollard. Then... nothing. The Titans netted 25 yards for the rest of the first half, going three-and-out thrice. Penalties, sacks and ball security all showed up as problems. The only drive that didn't end in three plays and a punt ended with a failed fourth-down attempt in the final 20 seconds before halftime.

Consider this a disappointing turn of events after all the positivity that came from the Titans' last outing. Ward and the offense sustained drives, reliably moved the ball downfield and put up their highest scoring output in Week 12 against Seattle, with Ward finally showing flashes of his No. 1 pick talents. This felt like a step back, especially when considering the Titans offense around Ward was healthier for this one.

Sloppy on special teams

The Jaguars were able to extend their early 7-3 lead to a 15-3 one because of a few crucial special teams miscues. Rookie returner Chimere Dike fumbled on the kickoff, giving the Jaguars a short field. Then after the Jaguars scored, a Titans penalty on the extra point allowed the Jaguars to try for two from the 1-yard line, stealing an extra point.

In the second half, the Titans special teams were also flagged for a roughing the punter penalty, extending a drive that ultimately ended up spanning 15 plays and ending in a touchdown. Had it not been for the roughing penalty, the defense would've been off the field with a three-and-out.

Injury corner

Rookie receiver Xavier Restrepo was carted off the field after a catch late in the fourth quarter. He was favoring his right leg.

What's next?

The Titans travel to Cleveland to face the Browns, one of their chief competitors for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT, and the game will be televised on FOX. Expect potentially-snowy conditions.

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at [email protected]. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans vs Jaguars score: Another blowout for Cam Ward, lifeless offense