Mariota helps Titans snap 3- game skid, clinch wild- card berth
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Marcus Mariota threw a touchdown pass and used his legs to help the Titans end an eight- season playoff drought by beating the Jaguars 15- 10 Sunday to clinch an AFC wild- card berth.
The Titans ( 9- 7) snapped a threegame skid in a game they needed to win or get some help with losses elsewhere to advance. They also had their first back- to- back winning seasons since 2007 and 2008.
Mariota ran a season- high 10 times for 60 yards, the biggest a 13yard scramble on third- and- five at the 2: 00 mark. Mariota also threw for 134 yards.
Derrick Henry took a screen pass from Mariota 66 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Ryan Succop kicked three field goals.
The Titans also sacked Blake Bortles twice and forced four turnovers, including two interceptions by Kevin Byard.
The Jaguars ( 10- 6) clinched their first AFC South title a week ago when the Titans lost to the 49ers. Coach Doug Marrone promised they came to win. Only left tackle Cam Robinson and wide receiver Marqise Lee were scratched — both were on the injury report this week.
Yet they head into the postseason having lost two straight.
The Jaguars had a chance to win after Mariota lost his first fumble this season in the fourth quarter. Henry collided with Mariota on a handoff, popping the ball in the air. Yannick Ngakoue picked it up and ran 67 yards for a touchdown, pulling the Jaguars within 15- 10 with 10: 48 left.
But Byard got his second pick with 10 seconds left to seal the win.
The Titans led 6- 3 when they forced two turnovers 42 seconds apart just before halftime.
Jaguars returner JaydonMickens signaled for a fair catch only to try blocking Taywan Taylor of the Titans as the ball arrived, and Phillip Supernaw recovered the bobble for Tennessee. On the next drive, Titans rookie cornerback Adoree Jackson punched the ball loose from Keelan Cole, and Jayon Brown recovered. Succop capped each drive with a field goal, his second a 39- yarder as time expired for a 12- 3 halftime lead.