Jaguars look to get back on track against high-flying Texans

By Dustin Fletcher | gargoyle@flagler.edu

This week, two 3-3 teams will show down in Jacksonville, with a high stakes division game on the line. The Jags defense will look to stop the Texans explosive, vertical offense, and the Texans will attempt to get pressure on Blake Bortles forcing him into making mistakes as a passer.

Two things these teams have in common are horrid offensive lines, and fearsome front sevens. The Jaguars are not completely to blame for their offensive line though, which is more a result of injury rather than roster building. However, the Texans have let this become a problem over time. This creates an issue for young superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson, as he is constantly pressured, leading to turnovers.

He is tied for the league lead in interceptions with none other than Blake Bortles (and a few others, just for dramatic effect here). However, the Jaguars secondary is much more talented at cornerback with former Texan A.J. Bouye and trash talker extraordinaire Jalen Ramsey.

One position the Texans have a huge playmaker in however, is free safety, which is home to Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu. Apart from this, both teams have extremely strong pass rushes. The Texans pass rush is led by NFL sack leader J.J. Watt and Jadavon Clowney, but also not forgetting Whitney Mercilus. The Jaguars are no slouches either though with All-Pro right end Calais Campbell, young superstar Yannick Ngakoue, and Malik Jackson, with Marcel Dareus taking care of run stopping.

This was one of the top units last year and are hoping to get back on track after being dominated by the Cowboys for much of last week. For the Jaguars, running back Leonard Fournette, cornerback DJ Hayden and James O’Shaughnessy are set to miss the game Sunday. On the Texans side, everybody participated fully in practice and should be healthy for the game.

Look for both teams to get after the quarterback early. Whoever has more rushing yards and can control the clock will get the win. I believe the Jaguars will get back on track.

Prediction: Jags 17- Texans 10