The Jaguars are in a tough spot at 1-3 trying to figure out which direction they are going in, and if Gardner Minshew is their franchise QB.
Keys to Game:
JAGUARS
The Jaguars need to get to Deshaun Watson and force the ball out of his hands early, a thing they have had trouble with through the first four weeks. The Jags haven’t been able to consistently get to the QB, as second-year Pro Bowl EDGE rusher Josh Allen has yet to get it going. Second, the Jaguars need to make sure they don’t let Watson beat them deep. Watson is a very complete QB who has an excellent deep ball. When Fuller is at his best, the Jaguars secondary will also have a tough time stopping him. The Jaguars also need to feed James Robinson more. The young RB out of Illinois State has been an enormous part of their offense with 285 rushing yards, and three touchdowns so far. Robinson is also a threat out of the backfield as he has had 14 receptions for 161 yards. He’s been amazing for them so far and running the ball will also set up play-action for Minshew and the passing game.
TEXANS
For the Texans, they need to forget Bill O’Brien and move on. This will be the first Texans game in a few years with a new coach, and it’s only for the better of the team. First, the Texans need to start incorporating Brandin Cooks into their offense. Cooks was brought over this offseason from the Rams in return for a second-round pick. Cooks has yet to have a monster game this year, with only 10 receptions and 138 yards. Second, they have to exploit the Jaguars defense that has been a huge liability through the first four weeks. Rookie CJ Henderson is showing strides, but there are so many weaknesses in the secondary that Watson should have a big game. Watson has played well below expectations thus far. Lastly, the Texans need to abandon the run if it is not working. Former Star RB David Johnson hasn’t been too great this year, and with a decent Jaguars front seven, they should look to attack through the air most of the game. Duke Johnson will be active for this game which should provide competition to Johnson.
X-Factors:
For the Jaguars, X-Factors will be DJ Chark, James Robinson, and Josh Allen. DJ Chark had an enormous game last week with eight catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. The Jaguars will desperately need him as the star WR and deep threat. He is the engine of the Jags offense, and they will need him big in this one. James Robinson will need a nice game on the ground, against a so-so Texans defense. The last x-factor for the Jags is Josh Allen, who is still trying to get it going. Allen is heating up with a sack in his last two games.
For the Texans, it will be Brandin Cooks, David Johnson, and Deshaun Watson. If Brandin Cooks can play well alongside Will Fuller, the Jags D will have problems the whole game. David Johnson has been mediocre, but they will need him to have around 90-100 scrimmage yards if they want to take this one against Jacksonville. Deshaun Watson needs to step up and lead this team to a win. With another loss, the Texans will fall 0-5 on the year, which will put them in position for a high draft pick. Oh wait, the Texans traded their first round pick to the Dolphins, so there is no point in tanking.
Author’s Prediction:
Jaguars 27 | Texans 24- Houston falls to 0-5 and Jacksonville gets closer to .500 at 2-3.