AFC South Roundup: Jaguars Building a Foundation, Texans Managing Injuries, Titans Playing for Pride
As the calendar flips to December, the AFC South is a tale of three very different teams-one pushing for the playoffs, another navigating a thinning secondary, and a third playing for pride in a lost season. Here’s a closer look at where things stand.
Jaguars: Coen Laying the Groundwork, Defense Stepping Up
In his first year at the helm, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen knows what December football is supposed to feel like-and his team is right in the thick of it.
“We’re giving ourselves an opportunity to play meaningful games in November and December, and that’s ultimately all you can ask for in this league,” Coen said. And he’s right.
For a franchise that’s seen more than its fair share of rebuilds, this season feels like more than just a flash in the pan. It’s about building something sustainable.
The Jaguars are in playoff position, and while the road hasn’t been smooth, the team has shown resilience. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team’s ability to stay the course through the ups and downs.
“It hasn’t always gone perfect, but we’ve just kept playing and found a way to respond every week,” Lawrence said. “We’ve had some big wins, we’ve had some tough losses, and you just keep playing.”
That consistency in approach-regardless of the scoreboard-has been a defining trait of this squad. And while Lawrence and the offense continue to find their rhythm, it’s the defense that’s quietly becoming the heartbeat of the team.
Coen gave a nod to first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who’s made an immediate impact with a retooled unit. The Jaguars have been getting after opposing quarterbacks with regularity, and it’s not just about pressure-it’s about cohesion.
“I thought the front and the coverage were in alignment in the back end especially,” Coen said. “We were able to get after the quarterback at a pretty good clip.”
That type of synergy on defense doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a credit to the coaching staff and the players buying into the system. Jacksonville’s playoff hopes will hinge on whether that balance between offense and defense holds as the stakes get higher.
On a disciplinary note, linebacker Dennis Gardeck was fined $11,275 for taunting, while offensive lineman Robert Hainsey was hit with a $12,172 fine for a low block.
Texans: Safety Room Thinning, But Ryans Staying Steady
Over in Houston, the Texans are dealing with some attrition in the secondary, but head coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t hitting the panic button.
Safety Jaylen Reed is dealing with an arm injury, but Ryans doesn’t believe it’s a season-ending issue. Meanwhile, there’s no update yet on veteran safety Jimmie Ward, who’s also banged up.
With depth becoming a concern, Ryans made it clear the team isn’t rushing to look outside the building for help.
“We’ll find a way,” Ryans said. “Don’t feel like we have to go outside to do that.”
That speaks to the confidence Ryans has in his current roster-and it’s not just coachspeak. The Texans have leaned on young talent all season, and that "next man up" mentality has helped them stay competitive in a tight AFC playoff race. If the back end can hold up, Houston’s defense should remain a tough out down the stretch.
Titans: Eliminated, But Not Tapping Out
The Tennessee Titans are officially out of the playoff picture at 1-11, but don’t expect them to roll over in the final five games.
Right guard Peter Skoronski summed it up best: “There’s a little bit of motivation factor of screwing up for some teams that might be in that playoff picture. That’s always a fun goal too.”
In other words, if the Titans can’t make the postseason, they might as well play spoiler. And you can bet there are a few AFC contenders who won’t be thrilled to see a desperate, nothing-to-lose Titans squad on their schedule.
Despite the record, the locker room isn’t thinking about draft position. Linebacker Cody Barton made that crystal clear.
“Player-wise, we’re not thinking about the first pick,” Barton said. “We want to win a game. That’s our biggest goal, that’s our mindset.”
This is a team still fighting, still competing, and still showing up. That says something about the culture Mike Vrabel has built-even in a season where the results just haven’t been there.
Their next test? A matchup with Cleveland, and the Titans are approaching it like it’s the Super Bowl.
Bottom Line
The AFC South is full of storylines as the season winds down. The Jaguars are chasing a postseason berth with a first-year head coach who’s building something real.
The Texans are staying afloat despite injuries, thanks to a confident locker room and a steady hand at head coach. And the Titans, while out of the hunt, are still swinging with pride.
December football is here. And in this division, there’s still plenty to play for.