Jaguars vs Texans: Three matchups to look at

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium this Sunday. With one crew propping up the AFC South and the opposite main the best way, this recreation would possibly imply extra to the guests, however the Jags nonetheless have the prospect to play spoiler – listed below are three matchups to look out for:

Trevor Lawrence vs Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter

I’m unsure that at this stage of the season, it’s notably mandatory for the Jaguars to hurry again their franchise quarterback from a major shoulder damage. However it seems that Trevor Lawrence is in line for a return towards the Texans on Sunday after sitting out the final two video games. It’s an enormous enhance for an offense that has needed to battle by way of a banged up run recreation and is lacking key items at receiver too – backup QB Mac Jones confirmed simply how tough it’s to maneuver the ball with this supporting forged, and the appreciation for what Lawrence achieves on the helm of this unit has now been given a bit perspective.

Often, a QB matchup could be towards the alternative crew’s star defensive again. However contemplating his latest shoulder subject, I might be stunned if Lawrence just isn’t involved in regards to the go dashing efficiency of the Texans on Sunday. Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter have 20 sacks and 32 QB hits between them to date this season, and have been a key motive why Houston are main the best way within the AFC South. They’re an elite duo who will give tackles Anton Harrison and Walker Little all they will deal with this weekend – right here’s hoping Press Taylor is making a gameplan that’s heavy on fast strikes and getting the ball out early. Lawrence doesn’t need to be a sitting duck again there, in a recreation which means comparatively little for the two-win Jags.

Joe Mixon vs Foye Oluokun

Joe Mixon is having one thing of a renaissance in Houston. With 5 video games to go within the common season, Mixon is comfortably on track to register the fifth 1,000 yard dashing season of his profession, and his first since departing the Cincinnati Bengals final offseason. Extremely constant for the Texans, he has 5 100-yard floor video games in his final seven – and has been in a position to relieve the strain on second yr quarterback CJ Stroud, who has proven indicators of being mortal not too long ago. The Texans have dropped three of their final 4 video games, with Stroud throwing extra picks in these matchups (5) than he has touchdowns (three). Conversely, Mixon has 5 scores in that timeframe, proving simply how Houston are leaning on him by way of this modest spell of adversity.

After spending greater than a month out with a knee damage, Foye Oluokun has spent the final 4 weeks getting slowly again to recreation pace. The Jaguars standout linebacker was sorely missed on the coronary heart of their protection, and while outcomes have nonetheless not gone the best way the crew hoped, his 36 tackles during the last 4 video games exhibits how productive he’s on the second degree. His historic dominance towards the run bodes properly for the Jags on Sunday, and if he can preserve Mixon to a modest output, then it places extra strain on Stroud to win by way of the air.

Brian Thomas vs Derek Stingley

How about an all-LSU matchup to spherical out this week’s article? Brian Thomas has taken little time in any respect in establishing himself as one of the crucial harmful younger receivers within the NFL. This yr’s first spherical choose has constructed an on the spot chemistry with Trevor Lawrence regardless of his quarterback lacking a while by way of damage, and has proven he could be an efficient goal in any respect ranges of the sphere. The Jags have pace at receiver, however their deep passing recreation has been lacking – and as such the offense has not had the massive performs wanted to vary their fortunes round. Thomas confirmed in London he could be that menace, and can be relied upon the remainder of the season with messrs Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis out of motion.

Thomas has obtained one heck of a matchup forward of him on Sunday too. Derek Stingley is taking part in at an All-Professional degree in 2024 – alongside Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots, he leads the league in fewest yards allowed per goal (5.7) to date this season, and each are the one gamers within the league to permit only one 10+ yard reception. Comfortably on track to interrupt final yr’s go breakup and sort out totals, Stingley has taken his recreation to new heights. With Thomas now the de facto WR1 able group decimated by damage, he’s going to want to harness each ounce of his playmaking abilities to get the higher of his opponent this weekend.