Jaguars to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2004

The Jacksonville Jaguars will try to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2004 when they host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Jacksonville (2-0) has posted victories over the New York Giants and New England Patriots to start the season. The Jaguars have showcased a well-rounded attack that ranks in the top 10 in total offense (No. 9) and total defense (No. 7).

Now, the Jaguars will turn their attention to AFC South rival Tennessee (1-1), which swept them a year ago.

"Losing to a team twice, at their house and here, that wasn't cool," Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack told reporters this week. "We're not too happy about that. That's obviously being talked about this week. The New England game was one thing, but this is a team that literally beat us twice in one year. We've got to fix that."

The Titans lost their season opener against the Miami Dolphins but bounced back last week with a victory against the Houston Texans. Tennessee enters this weekend with the league's No. 25 total offense and No. 26 total defense.

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has performed well against the Jaguars during his career, throwing for eight touchdowns, two interceptions and a 103.1 passer rating in his past five meetings. But his status is uncertain for this week because of a nerve issue that affects his ability to grip the football. He did not play last week.

"They way they explained it to me, it's like when you strum a guitar string," Mariota told reporters this week. "When that string settles down, that's kind of similar to how my nerve is. My nerve has kind of been strummed, and it's going to take it's time to settle down."

If Mariota cannot play, look for backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert to make his second straight start. Gabbert passed for 117 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Texans.

Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone said his players needed to be prepared for both quarterbacks.

"We have to make sure we're sound defensively in everything we do," Marrone told reporters this week. "We have to protect the field because it's wide open. They do a nice job in stretching you, putting you in space, misdirection. It will be a big challenge."

The Titans also are dealing with injuries on the offensive line. Right tackle Jack Conklin has missed the first two games as he recovers from offseason surgery to repair a torn ACL, while left tackle Taylor Lewan (concussion) did not play last week. He was limited in practice this week.

For the Jaguars, quarterback Blake Bortles is looking to build off a great start to the season. He threw for 377 yards and four touchdowns against the Patriots and boasts a career-high 92.5 passer rating through his first two contests.

Bortles might have more help this week as running back Leonard Fournette appears poised to return after sitting out last week because of a hamstring injury. Fournette had 136 yards from scrimmage (69 rushing, 67 receiving) the last time he faced the Titans.

Bortles said Fournette showed promise in his return to practice this week.

"Just watching him, it looked like he was Leonard," Bortles told reporters. "He was flying around, making some good plays. He got some touches and looked good."