The Jacksonville Jaguars play host to the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon in an AFC South matchup from TIAA Bank Field. The Texans started the season strong, grabbing a tie against the divisional favorites in week one, though are still searching for their first win. For the Jags, a 2-2 start leaves room for improvement, though with the division looking like it could be anyone's, Jacksonville is happy where it stands. Jacksonville hasn't won a game between these two since all the way back in 2017 but being at home, anything less than snapping Houston's winning streak in the series would be a massive letdown.
Houston turned quite a few heads in the opening week when they tied the Colts, though have struggled to build off that and are still searching for that elusive first win. What has been most difficult for Houston this season has been their inability to find that win despite having an easy schedule so far. The Broncos and Bears have both looked far from impressive this season, though the Texans lost by single digits in each. The Chargers were slightly more difficult but given their wave of injuries, it was disappointing for Houston to lose by double-digits in that one. One thing to keep in mind is that Houston has had Jacksonville's number in this series over the last handful of years, winning eight in a row. That confidence and momentum when the two meet could help in this one, especially as they go on the road.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to see Houston's struggles coincide with a growing number of pla yers appearing on the injury report. Six players have already been ruled out for Sunday, with fans still awaiting the debut of wide receiver John Metchie III. Both lines are beaten up, which could be problematic in Houston trying to control the clock. The main player whose status needs to be monitored is Derek Stingley Jr. (elbow), who has been a difference-maker on the defensive end.
Thursday's #HOUvsJAX injury report. pic.twitter.com/v6WuVcxwbA
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 6, 2022
Offensively, the Texans have struggled to put up points this season, which comes as a surprise given how potent their ariel attack was at times last season. They rank 27th overall in total yardage but rank in the bottom third of the league in nearly every other offensive category. Dameon Pierce (78.3 rushing yards per game) has been one of the lone bright spots on the offensive side and as they start to give him the ball more, it could serve to help Houston better control the clock. Davis Mills has seemed to take a step back in his own right this season and his gunslinger mentality has turned into far too many turnovers and sacks. With a thin receiving core as well, keeping pace with Jacksonville could be too much for this group to handle.
Defensively, the Texans haven't fared much better this season and against a Jacksonville team that has quite a bit of talent, it's difficult to see many areas where Houston might have the adva ntage. They're allowing over 400 yards per game total and have the league's second-worst rushing defense. In a game where they need to control the clock, their failure to stop the run could be the reason why this one goes in the wrong direction. Defensively, generating a strong pass rush has been problematic this season but they'll need to increase the pressure to have a chance in this one.