Two AFC South divisional rivals in the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars faced off Sunday afternoon in Jacksonville. The Texans got their first win of the year in a low-scoring 13-6 effort.
Jacksonville, who dominated the box score in almost every statistical category, was not able to execute when it mattered most, and they found a way to lose this game. The Jaguars had 422 yards of total offense, 22 first downs, and a solid 6/14 on 3rd down efficiency, but turnovers and 4th down inefficiency were the deciding factors in this game.
Doug Pederson, who is an aggressive coach on 4th down, failed to get his offense to convert even one time as they went 0-3 in that department. Jacksonville had two turnovers, both interceptions by second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Early into the second half, the Jaguars went nine plays down the field before Trevor Lawrence threw a red-zone interception to rookie Derek Stingley Jr. This play was talked about as the most controversial play of the day by Trevor Lawrence as he threw the interception on 3rd and 1. Many believed he had enough room to run for the first down but opted to make a questionable throw that was ultimately intercepted in the endzone. The second interception came on the last play of the game which was a Hail Mary prayer throw for the Jaguars to try and get a late touchdown. It is also worth noting that Jaguars rookie Travon Walker made a critical mistake in the 4th quarter by roughing the passer, resulting in a penalty on 3rd and 20. This gave Houston an automatic first down, great field position, and they ended up getting a touchdown to end that drive to take the lead.
You have to give Lovie Smith and the Texans credit as they were the only winless team in the NFL coming into week 5 and they beat a very hot Jaguars team who just went toe to toe with the undefeated Eagles the week prior.
Texans Quarterback Davis Mills was not great but did enough to help get the win as he was 16-of-24 passing for just 140 yards. Former Florida Gators RB and Rookie Dameon Pierce was electrifying as he rushed 26 times for 99 yards and got into the endzone. But most importantly, the Texans’ defense held the Jaguars to just six points and stopped them on all of their 4th down attempts.
The Texans have now extended their win streak to nine consecutive wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans remain the 4th seed in the AFC South and the Jaguars, meanwhile, fall to 3rd. Jacksonville will have an opportunity to get back to .500 as they will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts next Sunday.