The Jaguars face off against the Houston Texans in week 3 of the NFL season. Both teams are coming off frustrating losses and trying to get back on track with a divisional win. With a newly assembled roster, Jacksonville's offense has exceeded expectations through two games, with the running game being the offense's biggest weapon. Averaging a blistering 5.7 yards per attempt, the Jaguars will come out with a heavy running attack early. The first 2-3 drives will be a key indicator of how the game will go.
The Texans run defense ranks 22nd in yards allowed and 19th in yards per attempt allowed. The game plan early will likely be to sell out and stop the rushing attack early, forcing Jacksonville to pass. With a stacked box, this could open up windows for play action or deep pass attempts to catch the defense off guard.
If the Texans are to slow down the Jaguars rushing attack, how will the Jaguars adjust? Brian Thomas Jr. has struggled through the first two games. Will they look to force-feed him the ball or continue with what has been working? Travis Hunter has not been a major factor on offense so far, recording just 9 receptions for 55 yards. With Brian Thomas drawing the best corner, Travis Hunter has to be a bigger part of the game plan.
Trevor Lawrence has struggled against Demeco Ryan's defense through 4 games. With by far the best coaching and talent around him offensively, this is a significant game for him and the team going forward, especially with how his season ended the previous season. Through 2 games, the offensive line has allowed 1 sack, ranking first in this category. On the other side of the ball, the Texans have recorded 7 sacks, tied for 5th most. With an excellent pass rush and an all-pro cornerback, it will be crucial for Trevor Lawrence to play smart and not force unnecessary throws.
Travis Hunter played 39 defensive snaps in week 2 as a result of Jarrian Jones getting injured. While Jones has been limited in practice, his game status has not been in question. For the defense to have success, regardless of Jones' playing. Travis Hunter will need to play roughly 15-20 snaps on defense.
On the Texans side of things, the story has been the opposite through two games. The Texans rank dead last in points per game, but are 7th in points allowed. The Texans offensive line has given up 6 sacks for 62 yards through the first two games. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have to take advantage of this. With only one true receiver threat in Nico Collins, we could see a heavy blitz attack early in the game from defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.
The Texans offense also struggles to run the ball, ranking 20th in yards and 17th in yards per attempt. However, these statistics are even worse than they look. C.J. Stroud is the team's 2nd leading rusher with 59 yards. The Jaguars are allowing 3.8 yards per attempt on the ground. The formula for the defense is to stop Nick Chubb on early downs and get pressure on C.J. Stroud while keeping contain.
The Texans will come out playing desperate, knowing they cannot fall to 0-3, and the Jaguars look to correct the mistakes that plagued them in week two. With such massive implications for the division, this game will be a hard-fought game of inches.