Ten Things: Protection, Attacking and Explosive Plays Are Necessary For a Win in Week 13 vs. Texans

Nov 29, 2024 at 01:25 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

JACKSONVILLE – This game could have meant more.

It should have meant more.

The Jaguars on Sunday afternoon will play host to the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium, a game many believed before the season would matter very much in the race for the AFC South – and a game that still has division ramifications.

That's absolutely true for the Texans (7-5), who despite losing four of their last six games still lead the division by two games over the Indianapolis Colts (5-7). It's technically true for the Jaguars (2-9), who have lost four consecutive games and whose postseason chances are currently far more mathematical than realistic.

Yes, the Jaguars can still win the division – if they win their remaining six games and the Texans lose. A lot. Beyond that, it's about pride. It's also about staying in the moment and being professional.

That's not a lot. But it's something.

Here are 10 things the Jaguars must do to win Sunday:

Hit the big play. This assumes Trevor Lawrence starts at quarterback for the Jaguars Sunday, but it also applies if he doesn't. The Jaguars had multiple chances to take a double-digit fourth-quarter lead in a 24-20 Week 4 road loss to the Texans, but Lawrence twice missed open receivers in that game. That allowed the Texans to rally for the game-winning touchdown with :18 remaining.
Test the secondary*.* This ties in with No. 1 because big plays are indeed that important Sunday. The Texans, like the Jaguars, have been vulnerable to explosive passes this season. The Jaguars don't run well enough to consistently piece together extended drives. They need explosive plays.
Remember Week 4 … The Texans are nearly a touchdown favorite Sunday – as expected when one team is 2-9 and the other is contending for the postseason. But the Jaguars had every chance to win in Houston in Week 4 and they beat the Texans in Houston late last season. The Texans are good. But there's still no reason the Jaguars can't win this game.
… and forget Week 11. The Jaguars enter Sunday on a four-game losing streak. Their last game – to the Detroit Lions, 52-6, at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. – was the most one-sided loss in franchise history. That sort of loss can define a season. It's up to the Jaguars to do something in the last six games to make that not the case. That starts with moving past that game. Quickly.
Pressure C.J. Stroud. The Texans' second-year quarterback hasn't been nearly as consistent this season as he was as a rookie. Teams have effectively pressured him in recent weeks, forcing him from the pocket and forcing mistakes. That's critical for the Jaguars again Sunday.
Protect the passer. This matters if Lawrence returns after missing two games with a shoulder injury. It matters if Mac Jones starts a third consecutive game. It won't be easy. The Texans' pass rush has been the strength of a sometimes-shaky defense.
Shut out the noise. The Jaguars endured a bye week of reports of change followed by no change. Criticism and speculation reigned over all. Buckle up. That's the likely tone for the rest of the season. Such is NFL reality at 2-9.
Attack. This is the defensive philosophy of first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Attack. Be aggressive. Nothing cheap, nothing deep. The Jaguars must channel that Sunday against a capable, dangerous offense. Keep it going.
Limit Nico Collins. The Texans' fourth-year wide receiver has been a matchup problem for the Jaguars, with 255 yards and two touchdowns receiving in the team's last two meetings. He's a matchup problem for many teams, but you have to limit him.
10a.Get a lead. The Jaguars haven't done this nearly enough this season. Slow starts offensively have been just as important a theme as big plays allowed and the inability to run when they need to run. But too often this season the Jaguars have been ineffective in the first quarter and found themselves needing to play perfectly. The Texans enter Sunday a bit shaken by recent results. An early Jaguars lead could shake them further.10b.Play with pride. This shouldn't be a Thanksgiving Weekend theme. You would rather not be talking about it at Christmas, either. But here we are.

PHOTOS | 2024 Week 13 Practice: Monday, November 25th and Wednesday, November 27th

Divisional rival up next 🆙 Back from the bye week the Jaguars hit the grass at the Miller Electric Center to prepare for the Houston Texans. Swipe through some practice shots this week and be sure to check out our game center for all the most up to date news. Some players even broke out their 2024 'My Cause My Cleats' to practice in.

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Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on November 25, 2024.