Tate’s 149-yard day highlights Titans’ 19-17 win over Jaguars

Jacksonville, FL - Carnell Tate repeatedly gave Tennessee a reliable option in the passing game, and the Titans built enough of an advantage to withstand Jacksonville's push for a 19-17 victory in Week 12.

Tate caught 12 passes for a game-high 149 yards, accounting for more than half of Cam Ward's 261 passing yards. Tennessee finished with 384 offensive yards and 20 first downs, holding advantages over Jacksonville's 332 yards and 15 first downs. The Titans created a modest cushion during a competitive game, then played from in front as the Jaguars narrowed the separation.

The result was not a clean offensive performance for Tennessee. Ward completed 25 of 43 passes and was intercepted twice, finishing with a 56.4 passer rating. Jacksonville also recorded three sacks, applying steady resistance even as the Titans continued to move the ball between the 20s.

Ward nevertheless kept Tate heavily involved, and the receiver consistently supplied positive production. Calvin Ridley added seven receptions for 79 yards, giving Tennessee another productive target as the passing game outgained Jacksonville 261-176.

"The ball kept coming my way, and my job was to make sure we got something out of those chances," Tate said. "It wasn't always smooth for us, but we stayed patient and kept working."

Tennessee also received both of its touchdowns from the backfield. Tony Pollard rushed 14 times for a game-high 83 yards and a touchdown, including the game's longest run at 28 yards. Tyjae Spears added 31 yards on eight attempts and also scored. The Titans totaled 123 rushing yards, complementing their larger advantage through the air.

The Titans made four red-zone trips, scoring two touchdowns and one field goal. They converted 5 of 15 third downs and succeeded on their only fourth-down attempt. Those uneven efficiency numbers left room for Jacksonville to remain within striking distance, and the game never developed into a comfortable Tennessee runaway.

"I can't put the ball in danger like that and expect everything to be easy," Ward said. "We had enough production to keep going, and the guys around me gave us a lot. Getting the win matters, but there are definitely things I have to clean up."

Jacksonville found its best offensive production on the ground. Joe Mixon carried 12 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, while Quinn Ewers added 46 rushing yards on seven attempts. The Jaguars finished with 156 rushing yards, 33 more than Tennessee, and went 4 of 11 on third down.

Ewers completed 20 of 31 passes for 176 yards and posted a 79.5 passer rating. Brian Thomas Jr led Jacksonville with 69 receiving yards on four catches, including a game-long 26-yard reception. The Jaguars reached the red zone three times and came away with two touchdowns and one field goal.

Jacksonville's offense continued applying pressure as the margin tightened, but Tennessee maintained its narrow advantage through the finish. The Jaguars converted one of their two fourth-down attempts, while the Titans' defense recorded one sack and no interceptions.

"We moved it well in some areas, especially on the ground, but 17 points wasn't enough today," Ewers said. "When the margin is two points, every possession feels a little heavier when you look back at it."

Both teams entered the afternoon at 4-6, separated by neither record nor more than a single game of recent momentum. Tennessee arrived after a loss, while Jacksonville had won its previous game. The Titans left with the one result that mattered, overcoming two interceptions and Jacksonville's rushing advantage to secure the 19-17 victory.

Up Next

Tennessee will return home in Week 13 to host the Washington Commanders, while Jacksonville will travel to face the Chicago Bears.