Jaguars tackle winless Texans in pursuit of AFC South breakthrough

Two-time reigning AFC South champions, the Houston Texans are headed to Jacksonville winless and cautious of dropping additional floor.

Winners of the division eight of the final 14 years, Houston misplaced on the Rams in Week 1 and one other tight one to Tampa Bay of their Texans’ house opener Monday evening. At (0-2), they’re transferring additional away from latest playoff showings and already two video games again within the division.

Houston has an opportunity to start out making up floor Sunday, opening division play at Jacksonville (1-1), a vacation spot that has been all sunshine for the Texans in latest seasons. They’ve gained their final seven video games with 12 wins within the final 14 towards the Jaguars.

“Our guys are desirous to get going. That is what I felt from our group assembly,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans stated. “… They perceive how small of a margin it’s to win on this league.”

The Jaguars need to bounce again after a 2-0 begin eluded them in late in final week’s loss at Cincinnati.

Whereas they intercepted backup quarterback Jake Browning thrice after Joe Burrow left the sport with a toe damage, the Bengals threw the final punch. Browning marched the Bengals on a 92-yard drive and scored the profitable landing on a 1-yard run with 18 seconds left.

Even in a loss, there have been brilliant spots for Jacksonville. The Jaguars’ protection leads the league with six takeaways and 5 interceptions.

The Jaguars’ offense ranks fourth in yards per recreation (389.0), No. 1 in speeding yards per recreation (169.5) and Travis Etienne ranks second in speeding yards (214) behind solely Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor.

File-setting rookie extensive receiver Brian Thomas Jr. hasn’t but discovered his rhythm. On a team-high 19 targets, he has simply 5 catches for 60 yards, a gradual begin after he racked up 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Thomas obtained on-line criticism for a perceived lack of effort and some performs he missed in Sunday’s loss. Coen stated Monday that Thomas has been enjoying by a sore wrist, which first confirmed up on Wednesday’s follow report though he was a full participant. Thomas was restricted Thursday however was cleared to play Friday.

“We had some actually good conversations,” Coen stated of Thomas. “Everyone was annoyed. However on the finish of the day, he is acquired an awesome alternative to bounce again, as does the remainder of our group, and (I) really feel actually assured about that.”

Houston has misplaced its first two video games by a mixed six factors.

It took a 19-14 lead over the Buccaneers with 2:10 left on Monday, however Tampa Bay responded with a landing drive of its personal, taking the lead again with six seconds left handy the Texans one other loss.

Whereas the protection has completed sufficient, the offense is not clicking but below first-time offensive coordinator Nick Caley. The Texans rank twenty eighth in whole yards (265.5 per recreation) and useless final in scoring offense (14 factors per recreation).

C.J. Stroud, the 2023 offensive rookie of the 12 months, has simply 395 passing yards, one landing and one interception.

He hasn’t been helped by a depleted receiver room with Tank Dell on injured reserve. Free agent acquisitions Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios have been sidelined with hamstring accidents earlier than collaborating in restricted trend Wednesday.

Stroud is optimistic the veterans will enhance a comparatively younger receiving room.

“Kirk will assist these guys as he is within the room,” Stroud stated. “On gamedays, they will see him, how he works.”

Cornerback Jaylin Smith (hamstring) didn’t follow this week for the Texans and was dominated out. All different gamers are cleared to play.

The Jaguars dominated out rookie offensive lineman Wyatt Milum (knee), whereas beginning left guard Ezra Cleveland (ankle) is questionable.

–Area Degree Media