Titans' Arden Key Reveals 'Extra' Motivation, Plan for Trevor Lawrence Ahead of Jaguars Reunion

After a solid season for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, many fans and Arden Key himself expected to be re-signed. That did not happen, he traveled north to join the Tennessee Titans, and now he’s loading up to face his old team.

Last year with Jacksonville, Key totaled 4.5 sacks from a non-starting role, hitting opposing QBs 15 times according to Pro Football Reference. But there was some form of discrepancy between Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke and Key’s camp. No deal was reached, and now the defensive end is speaking publicly on it.

“Definitely, there’s definitely some extra [motivation,]” Key answered when asked about facing the Jaguars after they didn’t re-sign him. “... Here, I’d say it’s pretty much the same as it was last year with Jacksonville. New guys around, trying to get things going, trying to figure things out.”

The Titans are 3-6 on the season and 1-4 in their last five games. Over that recent stretch, Key has not managed to register a single sack after having 2.5 sacks in the first four games.

Tennessee has their backs against the wall ahead of the trip to Jacksonville. A win gives them a lifeline in the AFC South, as they have only played one division game this season. A loss likely creates too large of a gap for head coach Mike Vrabel and his team to overcome.

But Key seems confident ahead of the Titans’ defense clash with the Jags. He specifically spoke on how he and Tennessee “realize” that they can be productive by taking away QB Trevor Lawrence’s first read.

“He’s grown tremendously, but I realize, being there, if we can take away his first read the rush will be allowed to get there… If the first read’s there, he’s throwing it right there, right now. If it’s not, you see the kind of hesitation, things of that sort so we know and realize that we’ve got to take away the first read so we get to him.”

His words imply that the Titans don’t believe he can make the right decisions if they force him to a second receiver. It’s not trash talk per say, and Key did say he has a “great relationship” with Lawrence, but it’s apparent that he and the Titans strongly believe the way to a victory is forcing the Jaguars QB to make decisions.

Considering that San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said something similar by stating that the Niners defense wanted to “make” Lawrence “play quarterback,” it’s quickly becoming a trend.

The Jaguars’ offensive ineptitude doesn’t need rehashing, but Lawrence threw for just 185 yards on 29 attempts and with three turnovers. The offensive line deserves criticism as much as the QB, but Bosa called his spot and San Francisco actualized it.

Whether it’s due to playcalling or Lawrence’s performances, NFL edge rushers and defenses are wanting to test the Jacksonville QB’s decision-making.

Key and Tennessee get their chance at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.