Big Cat Country
On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars found a way to improve to 2-1 on the season, despite playing an imperfect game at EverBank Stadium. The defense racked up two sacks, three turnovers, and five three-and-outs against the Texans. Jacksonville’s win results in a 2-0 record at home, 1-0 in AFC South play, and places Houston at 0-3 on the season, fighting for their playoff lives early. Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s Week 3 17-10 victory over the Houston Texans.
Live blog:
Catch up on all the big plays and best moments from tonight’s game in our live blog!
Pregame Notes:
The following Houston players did not play in this one: QB Graham Mertz, OT Blake Fisher, RB Dameon Pierce, RB British Brooks, TE Brenden Bates, WR Braxton Berrios, DE Darrell Taylor. WR Christian Kirk was active for the first time this season for Houston, facing his former team in Jacksonville.
Additionally, OL Wyatt Milum, RB Cody Schrader, DL Danny Striggow, DL B.J. Green II, DT Khalen Saunders Sr, and S Kahlef Hailassie were all inactive against Houston. LG Ezra Cleveland was active after being limited throughout the week with an ankle injury along with CB Montaric Brown (ankle) making his season debut.
1st Quarter
The Texans kicked off the affair on offense, with both teams trading quick three-and-outs after short third-down completions. After the 42-yard punt went out of bounds, Houston was set up with prime field position at their own 48-yard line. However, their offense again stalled with Ka’imi Fairburn missing a 52-yard field goal attempt, wide right. Jacksonville then put together their best drive of the day, methodically working their way down the field on a 9-play, 58-yard, 4:34 touchdown drive where the team was helped by a third-down pass interference penalty in the endzone on Houston to provide a new set of downs. RB Bhayshul Tuten capped the series on the following play for a one-yard touchdown – his first rushing touchdown on the season. (Jaguars 7, Texans 0)
The Jaguars defense, smelling blood in the water, forced another three-and-out after a Dennis Gardeck pass deflection, followed by a Devin Lloyd second down pressure, resulting in a Travon Walker clean-up sack.
2nd Quarter
The Jacksonville offense received the ball back at their own 31-yard line after an illegal block in the back penalty on the return. However, the offense again went cold after Lawrence missed a streaking Dyami Brown deep on second down, resulting in an eventual punt.
Houston CB Derek Stingley notably left the game following this series, with a rib injury, never to return. Houston showed signs of life, offensively, with their best drive of the day, a 13-play, 71-yard, 6:51 drive. Despite the success in the air for Houston, Jacksonville held in the redzone, bending without breaking, to force a 27-yard field goal, instead of surrendering a touchdown. Notably, Jacksonville Eric Murray temporarily left the game on the drive, after being penalized for unnecessary roughness. He returned after the half. (Jaguars 7,...
