Travis Hunter's injury, Brian Thomas Jr.'s struggles, and the impact of CJ Stroud's absence loom large. Is there a pathway for the Texans to secure victory?
For the second and final time in 2025, the Texans (3-5) will play this Sunday against their AFC South opponent in the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3). Last time, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and co. dispatched Houston at EverBank Stadium by a final score of 17-10 in a rock fight of an affair.
Neither team looked to have deserved a victory on the day, but texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took the L, going 25/38, 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His second interception ended the game, giving Jacksonville a game ending turnover at their goal line after defensive end Josh Hines-Allen hit Stroud's arm to cause the errant pass.
This time, the Texans will be playing at home in NRG Stadium and backup quarterback Davis Mills will be the game's signal caller (Stroud out due to concussion).
Representing Fansided's "Black and Teal", which covers the Jaguars, editor/writer Carlos Sánchez joined the Texans Roundtable to discuss various Jaguars-centric insights heading into Sunday's afternoon matchup (@HaeruHariken on X)
Clayton Anderson: Currently, the Jaguars sit at 5-3 and occupy the 7th seed in the AFC. In your opinion, would they have taken this scenario after 9 weeks heading into the season? Why/why not?
Carlos Sánchez: Yes, it's not necessarily surprising that the Jags already have exceeded their win totals from last year (4-13). They had a talented nucleus in place, but they lacked direction. Liam Coen's arrival has been refreshing and has instilled a feisty mentality across the team. Moreover, the front office did a good job of replenishing the roster throughout the year. Sure, they still have several needs to address, but the arrow is pointing out. Heading into Week 10, and based on how they're playing, 8-9, or even 9-7, seem like realistic standings.
CA: With word that 2nd overall pick Travis Hunter is now out for the season with that knee injury, how might that change the immediate trajectory of the team?
CS: Travis Hunter was coming off a breakout game (eight catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown) before he suffered the knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. This is a long-winded way to say that he was hitting his stride as a receiver. The Jaguars lessen the blow of his absence by trading for Jakobi Meyers, but they will still surely miss him.On defense, Hunter had been playing well, even if he didn't rack up the big plays. The silver lining is that the Jags have the depth at corner to overcome his injury. Montaric Brown has played well, and Greg Newsome should be more acclimated after arriving via trade before Week 7.
CA: BTJ has had a struggle of a season thus far. Do you see him turning things around by season's end?
CS: Brian Thomas Jr. is currently dealing with a high ankle sprain, so there's a chance that he won't suit up against Houston. If he does, he may not be at full strength. But he badly needs to come back and put it all together. One reason he's struggling is that the Jags are asking him to run a more diverse route tree after mostly operating in the boundaries as a rookie. The 2024 first-round pick may be having trouble adjusting to the scheme, but he's talented enough to make you think that he could put it all together.
CA: With Texans QB CJ Stroud out for Sunday's game, how do you think the Jaguars defense will adjust?
CS: Facing Davis Mills certainly gives the Jags an edge. He's not nearly as mobile as C.J. Stroud, which will allow the front four to bring the heat. That said, Jacksonville cannot afford to take Mills lightly, or else run the risk of getting torched.
CA: What are three keys for a Jaguars win?
CS: Sound execution and sticking to fundamentals. The Jaguars have struggled with penalties and drops throughout the season. If they can cut down on both against Houston, they'll have a chance to come out on top. Similarly, they must stick to the run and not solely depend on Trevor Lawrence to win the game. Having a balanced approach on offense will go a long way.Lastly, having linebacker Devin Lloyd back in the lineup will be huge for the defense, as the group has missed his big-play capability. If Jacksonville can make a handful of key stops and force a couple of takeaways, they should come out on top.
Texans Primed For An Surprise Win?
Considering the Jaguars perspective on things, the Texans actually have a golden opportunity in front of them.
Even though the season has not panned out at all like the franchise had hoped, they are still in position to make a more than competitive enough push for credibility and competitiveness on the back end of their schedule.
That's starts with the chance of taking down a Jaguars team that has lost two of their last three contests, including almost falling to a now 2-7 Raiders team after stopping a potential game sealing 2-pt conversion attempt by Las Vegas.
Also, four of their five wins were within one possession. This means that, while the Jaguars have been able to win in clutch moments, they also are vulnerable to drop games that they probably shouldn't.
Houston's #1 defense can definitely create havoc on Sunday afternoon for Lawrence and the Jaguars offense. If Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley and Mills can execute an efficient enough offensive gameplan, the Texans could actually squeak out an unlikely win.
If that happens, that puts Houston in prime position to reach .500 for the first time this year the following Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
What are your thoughts? Does Houston have more than a puncher's chance of leaving Sunday with a gut-check W? Or, will the Jaguars send the home team spiraling towards a 3-6 mark and virtually end their season?
Let us know in the comment section below or on the Texans Roundtable X account (@Texans_RTB)!