JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium in a 2025 Week 3 game Sunday at 1 p.m.

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Long-term gain. The Jaguars enter Sunday 1-1, but if all you see when you look at them is a .500 team, look again. The Jaguars from this view are an improved team with multiple "foundation" pieces that give them a very real chance of finding footing in the coming weeks to push above .500 – and to push to be in the postseason conversation in December and January. The reshaped offensive line is playing at a high level, with the Jaguars leading the league in rushing and allowing just 1 sack. The defense has forced a league-high 6 turnovers after creating just 8 last season. The team also is playing with a toughness that indicates its buying into a new coaching staff and new identity under Head Coach Liam Coen. Yes, there have been too many dropped passes. And quarterback Trevor Lawrence must continue developing in his first season in Coen's scheme. Many imperfections expectedly remain two regular-season weeks into a reshaped organization. But the good things going on feel like they can stay good. If they do, this team has a chance to be better than many expected before the season.
2. Tough it out. Welcome to Al-Shaair week. Sunday's game marks the first meeting between these teams since last December 1, when Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked Lawrence from the game with an illegal hit to the head. The play sparked a bench-clearing brawl and essentially ended Lawrence's season, with the NFL suspending Al-Shaair three games. While Coen and Jaguars players this week understandably downplayed that play's effect on Sunday's game, it's hard to imagine it being forgotten by Jaguars players who were there – and it's hard to imagine it not being mentioned around the Miller Electric Center this week. The Texans pride themselves on being a tough, physical, hit-you-in-the-mouth team. That is the Jaguars' desired identity Coen – and this roster has embraced that desire in notable fashion. Welcome to Al-Shaair Week.

Brian Sexton, Senior Correspondent…

1. The Jaguars are positioned to win both sides of the line of scrimmage Sunday. Through two weeks, the Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing. It's not just the 169.5 yards per game that's impressive; it's the 5.75 yards per carry that also leads the league. The Jaguars in just two weeks have shown dramatic improvement in the run game, an area that has created problems for them since 2023. On the other side of the ball, they've held the Panthers and Bengals to 80 rushing yards per game. Great teams run the ball and stop the run. Though it's early, you can easily see where Coen is headed with his team.
2. The run game isn't the only weak spot from last season that's now a strength. The Jaguars, after managing just 8 defensive takeaways in 2024, lead the NFL with 6 through two games in 2025. They have a major challenge this week against Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, who has 2 turnovers in four games against the Jaguars – and none since the first matchup in September 2023. Stroud makes good decisions with the football despite the fact that he has been among the most sacked and most pressured quarterbacks in the league dating to last season. If the Jaguars are going to break the Texans seven-game winning streak at the Jaguars' home, they're going to have to pressure Stroud and create turnovers. The good news is that the Jaguars have created a lot of pressure early in the season and the Texans offensive line isn't performing at a high level thus far.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...

1. All a part of the plan. Talented two-way player Travis Hunter saw a significant increase in snaps on defense from Week 1 to Week 2. Hunter played only 6 defensive snaps in the season opener but increased to 43 defensive snaps in Week 2. Coen indicated that the increase in playing time is all a part of the Jaguars' plan for Hunter, with him now splitting time at wide receiver and cornerback evenly. Coen indicated he will continue to consult with sports science to make sure they aren't overworking Hunter and that he will be ready physically to compete for an entire NFL season.
2. The Jaguars' defense needs to see "battle" red. The 2025 Jaguars defense has proven in two weeks to be a completely different group than it was in 2024. The defense has 6 takeaways in two games, while the 2024 squad had 8 defensive takeaways the entire season. Getting after Stroud will be crucial on Sunday. The Texans' offensive line continues to be an issue and the Jags' defense should see this as a huge opportunity to set the tone in the division. I expect a big day from defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker as they try to bully the bullies of the AFC South.