Jaguars' Late-Game Surge in TNF Win a Good Sign for Young, Growing Squad

Thursday night had the Jacksonville Jaguars going "back to back" as they secured a 19-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. In what ended up being a defense-focused battle, the Jaguars finally clicked late and used that push to win the game.

The offense, defense and special teams performed well throughout the game, but offensive struggles in the red zone kept the Titans in the game until the end. In fact, it almost gave them a win. 

With just over six minutes left, the Jaguars went three-and-out and were forced to punt. The Titans took over, but a crucial stop from the Jaguars defense, most notably safety Johnathan Cyprien, forced a punt. 

And that's where the insanity began. Wide receiver Rashad Greene, who has been out since Week 2, took a punt 63 yards to the Titans' five-yard line. The ensuing touchdown from quarterback Blake Bortles to tight end Julius Thomas gave the Jaguars a 16-13 lead.

Rob Foldy/Getty Images

Then, a massive play from corner Davon House to force a fumble and recover the ball deep in Titans territory gave the Jaguars a chance to score, which led to a conservative decision to kick a field goal on a 4th-and-short.

The 19-13 lead would be preserved by the Jaguars defense, which stopped Titans QB Marcus Mariota and earned the win.

It was not a pretty win, but the late burst of action and explosive plays was a step in the right direction for a team that hasn't been able to finish close games this season. The Jaguars are trying to overcome the normality they've set throughout the campaign.

While improved play has kept them in more games this year, lacking that finishing has resulted in a majority of their six losses. Being able to overcome struggles throughout the game and then create explosive plays late on shows this team is progressing. 

Earning back-to-back wins while also getting another late win is doing something in terms of attitude and maturity. The locker room in Jacksonville has been positive under head coach Gus Bradley, but now the players are understanding what it's like to win and to finish close games.

People refer to these type of games as "baby steps," but with the AFC South title a legitimate possibility, the baby steps are also huge strides. The Jaguars find themselves in an unlikely situation, and it could get even better than it is now.

But the thrown-away games of the first half of the season grow dimmer with each win. And as the schedule continues to trend in the Jaguars' favor, as seen below, the chances for growth and success are prevalent.

Team	Record	Home/Away
San Diego Chargers	2-7	Home
Tennessee Titans	2-8	Away
Indianapolis Colts	4-5	Home
Atlanta Falcons	6-3	Home
New Orleans Saints	4-6	Away
Houston Texans	4-5	Away

The youth of this team has become the major focus of national media. And with second-year players such as wide receivers Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and linebacker Telvin Smith, as well as rookies such as running back T.J. Yeldon and Greene, it makes sense.

Jacksonville, on paper, is set up for the long term. Despite the incredibly horrible past few seasons, the Jaguars are starting to finally move past the regime of the past and are ready to establish themselves for the future.

The 4-6 record is nothing to celebrate and shoot off fireworks about. There are still six important games left in the season, and there's no guarantee the Jaguars will continue their winning ways. But the outlook from four weeks ago and today are far different.

The aspects of this win don't stop appearing, either. It was the first divisional win of the season, it was on national television, as well as everything else seen above.

It's not a win against an especially good team, but it's one the Jaguars needed. A statement has been made: The race for the AFC South title is on.

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All stats provided by ESPN unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.