Tag: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

4 keys to a Jaguars victory vs. the Texans

With the Jags set to start their 2021 regular season journey at 1 p.m. EST today, here are some keys to a Jags win against the Texans.

Football is finally back!

Week 1 of the NFL regular season continues today, and the Jacksonville Jaguars will open their 2021 campaign against the Houston Texans. The Jaguars were 0-2 against the Texans last year and are looking to start righting the wrongs of the previous regime as soon as possible.

Things certainly look brighter than they did around this time last season. New head coach Urban Meyer has done plenty to shake up the organization. He started his NFL career off making a few big-money free-agent additions and five picks in the top-65. The most notable of the draft selections, of course, was Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But with those moves all  in the rear-view, the Jags need to win this opening matchup against a less talented Texans team to change thoughts from the outside.

Here are four keys to a much-needed Jaguars victory.

The good, bad and ugly from the Jags’ loss to the Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars are now on a seven-game slide after losing 25-27 at home to the Houston Texans this afternoon. Sunday’s final results kept the Jags from becoming the first team in NFL history to concede 30-plus points in seven consecutive …

The Jacksonville Jaguars are now on a seven-game slide after losing 25-27 at home to the Houston Texans this afternoon. Sunday’s final results kept the Jags from becoming the first team in NFL history to concede 30-plus points in seven consecutive games.

Had the Jags allowed another 30-point game (or more), it would’ve marked the second time the team would’ve achieved an unwanted feat as they became the first team ever to drop three consecutive games to winless teams last time they faced Houston.

That said, here are the good, bad, and ugly talking points from Week 9’s defeat:

The good: DJ Chark is back in a big way

The best news coming out of this game is that the Jaguars now sit in sole possession of the No. 2 overall pick as the only one-win team left in the NFL.  However, fans shouldn’t let that distract them from the stars who are on the team currently like DJ Chark Jr., who bounced back Sunday in a big way.

After seeing his connection with quarterback Gardner Minshew II deteriorate to some degree in the last couple of games, Chark came out and put on a show. He ultimately finished the game with seven catches for 146 yards and a touchdown, giving him the highest receiving total in the whole game. He also reminded fans why he is one of the brighter deep threats in the NFL.

Myles Jack, James Robinson, and even Jake Luton flashed at times in Sunday’s game, but the biggest bright-spot for Jacksonville this Sunday was Chark because he now has the momentum he was desperately searching for.

The bad: Jay Gruden’s fourth down, 2-point conversion play-calling

There have been questions about Jay Gruden’s play-calling decisions since the team’s Week 2 loss in Tennessee. Whether it’s the persistence to have Minshew throw the ball 40+ times in five-straight defeats or that embarrassing fumble in the last game against Houston. The true failures of Gruden’s tenure in Jacksonville have been his lack of efficiency on fourth down.

After nine weeks of the 2020 season, only two teams have fared worse than the Jaguars when it comes to converting on fourth down as they’ve only converted on 28% of their tries, down from 48% in 2019. Today was a reinforcement of that as the team ran the same play on back-to-back third and fourth downs in the fourth quarter.

The Jags’ 2-point conversion rate is an improvement on this mark, currently sitting at 40% — also down on last year’s total (50%) — but still isn’t good enough. Today’s attempt failed due to an errant throw by Luton, but the decision to force a ball to Chark in double coverage seems odd.

The ugly: The Jaguars secondary

It is difficult to put into words just how putrid the Jaguars’ secondary is. Busted coverages, missed tackles, long touchdowns have been littered throughout the 2020 campaign and all three were rampant in today’s matchup.

For what feels like the first time all season, the Jaguars were able to get consistent pressure in the face of Deshaun Watson. Unfortunately for the front-seven, the former college football champion proved to be at his usual elusive best.

Despite the improved efforts from the Jaguars pass-rush, Watson still had two touchdowns on the day. Both were from 50 yards or further and came as a result of dismal play from members of the Jaguars’ secondary.

The first was a 57-yard catch and run from Brandin Cooks, who managed to squeeze between three Jags’ defensive backs and then scamper up the sideline leaving safety Jarrod Wilson in his wake.

The second occurrence was even more concerning, although the play should’ve resulted in a delay of game penalty. However, when the ball was snapped, C.J Henderson completely lost track of the ball as Will Fuller V adjusted to it behind the rookie’s back before turning the ball upfield for a 77-yard score.

If this secondary doesn’t play better soon, it’s difficult to imagine the Jaguars staying competitive the rest of the way. It’s especially concerning with the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rogers up next as their offense is ninth in passing.

Postgame analysis: Jags extend losing streak to seven after interesting game vs. Texans

The Jags suffered their seventh consecutive loss of 2020 thanks to the Texans, but they made it competitive all throughout.

Due to injury, the Jacksonville Jaguars entered Week 9 with a new starter at quarterback in sixth-round rookie Jake Luton, however, it didn’t end with better results than their six games before. While their game against the Houston Texans was a close one, the Jags ultimately fell by a score of 27-19, bringing their record to 1-7.

In the beginning, Luton got off to the best start he could’ve possibly asked for  tossing a 73-yard bomb to DJ Chark Jr. in the first drive (during his second passing attempt) on the third play of the game. The pass was a beautiful one where Chark beat a variation of three-deep coverage by burning the secondary. As a result, the Jags got off to the fast start they’ve been hoping for all season and went up by a score of 7-0.

However, thanks to the Jags’ struggling defense, it didn’t take the Texans long to come charging back as their next two drives ended with a touchdown and field goal, respectively. The touchdown was a 57-yarder by Brandin Cooks who turned a 2-yard out route into a foot race up the sidelines. Afterward, Kaʻimi Fairbairn added three points, putting the score at 10-7 in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Jags were able to put up another touchdown, this time by rookie running back James Robinson. At roughly the 12:30 mark, he was able to spearhead a drive where he put together 47 rushing yards over multiple carries. Eventually, Robinson, Luton, and their teammates got the Jags to the 1-yard line where the rookie tailback pounded it in for six. Unfortunately, Josh Lambo missed the point after attempt, and the game was knotted up at 13-13.

Lambo later made up for his miss before the second half, kicking a walk-off 59-yard field goal before the half. The kick tied Josh Scobee for the longest in franchise history, adding to the young kicker’s achievements since joining the team.

Luton didn’t start the second-half as strong, throwing a pick to cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III on Houston’s 19-yard line, which ended up giving the Texans a scoring opportunity that they capitalized on. That play came from Will Fuller V, who caught a 77-yard touchdown on rookie C.J. Henderson.

The play was one where Fuller was running up the sideline and made a great adjustment on Henderson by cutting behind him to catch the pass. Not only was Henderson’s luck unfortunate at the moment, but so was Doug Marrone’s as the play clock had long expired before the snap. The veteran head coach rightfully pleaded his case with the officials, however, the play stood and the Texans extended their lead to 27-16.

That touchdown would prove to be all the Texans needed though the Jags rallied back with 10 second-half points. Three of those points came from Lambo on the following drive (through a 30-yard field goal) and the other six came from Luton, who dialed up some last drive magic and rushed for a touchdown. Unfortunately, Luton wasn’t able to convert the necessary 2-point conversion afterward, which would’ve tied the game at 27.

While the game ended up being a loss, it certainly was entertaining to watch, something the Jags have had the luxury of dating back to Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Luton’s first start was solid enough for him to remain the Jags’ starter while Gardner Minshew II heals, though he had several passing attempts that could’ve been picked. He ultimately ended the day, 26-of-38 for 304 yards, a touchdown, and a pick, but will have to be a little more careful next Sunday as the Texans missed a few turnover opportunities.

As for the Jags’ other standouts, Chark bounced back in a big way accumulating seven catches for 146 receiving yards and a touchdown. Robinson also had a solid day, falling one yard shy of 100 after garnering 25 carries.

Defensively, Myles Jack was unstoppable, accumulating 11 total tackles, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. The Jags were also able to garner some rare sacks thanks to cornerback Tre Herndon (who had one) and Josh Allen and Joe Schobert, who combined for a sack. The pass rush also was quite active, moving quarterback Deshaun Watson off his mark, though he had some crucial rushing attempts.

Up next for the Jags will be the Green Bay Packers, who are currently 6-2 and lead the NFC North. That said, the Jags will have their work cut out for them as they travel to Lambeau Field and attempt to upset Aaron Rodgers, who is 2-1 at home this season.

Jags RB James Robinson scores fifth rushing touchdown of the season vs. Texans

James Robinson continued his dominance Sunday by acquiring his fifth rushing touchdown of the season as the Jags faced the Texans.

After the Jacksonville Jaguars had an impressive deep connection between sixth-round rookie quarterback Jake Luton and receiver D.J. Chark, the Jaguars were able to acquire another touchdown in the second quarter. This time it was from their star rookie tailback James Robinson, who was able to pound one in from the 1-yard line.

Robinson is making quite the case for Offensive Rookie of the Year as the undrafted phenom out of Illinois State University acquired his fifth rushing touchdown of the year against the Houston Texans and his seventh touchdown overall.

After a 1-yard score from Texans running back Duke Johnson, the Jags found themselves trailing by a score of 20-13 after Houston’s last drive. However, Jags place kicker Josh Lambo was able to answer back with a 59-yard field goal before the half, putting the score at a 20-16 figure.

Jags release their list of Week 9 inactives vs. Texans

After being ruled OUT, Gardner Minshew was the most notable player on Week 9’s inactives list for the Jags as Jake Luton will start vs. HOU.

The Jacksonville Jaguars released their list of inactives for Week 9’s game against the Houston Texans, which consisted of seven players. Of course, the most notable was quarterback Gardner Minshew II (thumb), but there were others who surfaced on the list for injury reasons like tailback Devine Ozigbo and linebacker Dakota Allen.

Like Minshew, Allen (ankle) and Ozigbo (hamstring) were ruled out Friday on the final injury report. Both players sustained (or re-aggravated) their respective injuries Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers and exited the game early without returning.

One of the more interesting tidbits about Week 9’s list of inactives is that cornerbacks Luq Barcoo and Josiah Scott both surfaced on it again. The Jags elected to call up cornerback Josh Nurse from the practice squad instead of making either rookie active, which is puzzling after the solid training camp performances they had.

The last notable to surface on the inactives list was Aaron Lynch, who came out of retirement two weeks ago. With that being the case, it isn’t shocking that the veteran hasn’t been activated yet as the Jags are likely looking to get him in game day shape.

Spread slightly shifts for Jags’ Week 9 game vs. Texans

The Jags had a change in the spread for their game against the Texans as Jake Luton looks set to make his first start.

The spread for the Jacksonville Jaguars Week 9 game against the Houston Texans slightly moved as we approach Sunday’s kickoff. Earlier in the week when we looked, it was at 6.5, but it has now moved to a full seven points, per BetMGM.

One of the more interesting things about Sunday’s game is that it appears rookie quarterback Jake Luton will be starting after receiving a majority of the snaps in practice. It would mark his first start since being drafted this April and comes after Gardner Minshew II revealed a thumb injury that he previously kept to himself last week.

Additionally, the money line saw a small change, going from +235 to +245. The over/under also changed, dropping from 51.5 to 50.5, which again, could be because of Luton and the potential struggles he could have putting up points.

Houston will come into Sunday’s game as the leader of the all-time series with a 24-13 record against the Jags. Despite having only one win this season (which came against the Jags), they will also be riding a five game win streak against the Jags which dates back to 2017.

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Will the Texans’ and Jaguars’ Week 9 game be on TV in your area?

The Texans and Jags Week 9 game will be on in limited markets Sunday most of which is in the Florida panhandle and Texas.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will get a chance to even the score with the Houston Texans, who beat them last month and acquired their only win of the year so far. A win would also help the Jags emerge from the cellar of the AFC South and start the second half of their season with some momentum.

Despite the Jags and Texans’ record, this one could be entertaining as the Texans have the No. 30 ranked defense and the Jags are right behind them with the 31st. When looking at their performances up until this point, that could set up both units to have a lot of points scored on the respective units, even with the Jags starting rookie quarterback Jake Luton.

For those wanting to watch all the action, the Jags and Texans’ game is currently scheduled to take place on Sunday (Nov. 8) at 1 PM EST if there aren’t any COVID-19 related setbacks. Those of you who live in the yellow shaded areas will be able to watch the action locally from your homes, according to 506 Sports.

This week Spero Dedes (play-by-play analyst) and Adam Archuleta (color commentator) will be on the call for the Jags’ and Texans’ second meeting of the year.

The Texans will enter Sunday’s game with a 24-13 record against the Jags, including a Week 5 victory against them that went down by a score of 30-14. The Jags will be looking for their first win against the Texans since December of 2017, which would end a five-game winning streak for Houston in the all-time series.

Additionally, with Week 9 set to be Luton’s first start, he could do something Minshew hasn’t in his career and beat the Texans. When looking at the Jags’ defense, that may not be an easy task though, as Jacksonville’s defense has allowed 30 or more points in all of their losses this season.

Texans vs. Jaguars : 3 things to know about Week 9’s matchup

The Jags and Texans aren’t much better than they were when they faced each other Week 5, but the Jags especially have an uphill challenge,

The Jacksonville Jaguars are back from their bye week and there is plenty of work to do. With a 1-6 record, they must climb out of the hole and make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season and also fight for Doug Marrone’s job. That will be easier said than done with several division leaders remaining on their schedule in addition to various teams who are over .500.

Their road to recovery will begin Sunday against their division rivals in the Houston Texans who are also a one-win team. Of course, it doesn’t give many confidence that their one win came against the Jags, however, these teams know each other so well that Jacksonville hasn’t been counted out.

That said, with both teams having a great deal of history against each other, here are three things to know about Week 9’s AFC South battle: