Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This was the epitome of a defensive slugfest. Both quarterbacks were under pressure for a majority of the game and clean pockets were a scarcity. The Texans were able to hold onto a one-point lead when Jacksonville decided to forego the game-tying extra point and opted to go for the win via a two-point conversion.
Houston Texans
Quarterback
- Deshaun Watson: 16/29, 159 Yards | 4 Rushes, 5 Yards 1 TD
Deshaun Watson had a tough night moving the ball. He was eventually forced to take things into his own hands when he ran in the only touchdown of the night for the Texans. The Jaguars played tight coverage the entire game and only allowed short completions. Watson took what was available and was effective in moving the team but had a minimal amount of chunk plays throughout the day. He hit several players in tight coverage and had a handful of beautiful throws to DeAndre Hopkins to beat blanket coverages. During one of the rare occasions when Watson had time to set and throw in the pocket, he connected with Kenny Stills for a nice gain. Watson was under constant pressure and had one sure-fire interception dropped by a Jaguars cornerback. He scored on a strong individual effort when he kept the ball on a read-option play. Watson made a gorgeous jump cut and lowered his shoulders to power his way into the endzone.
Running Backs
- Carlos Hyde: 20 Rushes, 90 Yards
- Duke Johnson: 6 Rushes, 31 Yards, 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Carlos Hyde led the way on the ground and was the most effective offensive player overall on the day for the Texans. He collected some tough running yards while making good reads and constantly ran through contact. Hyde kept several drives alive with strong runs that led to points on the board for the Texans.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- DeAndre Hopkins: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 40 Yards
- Will Fuller: 7 Targets, 4 Receptions, 40 Yards
- Kenny Stills: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 38 Yards
- Jordan Atkins: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 25 Yards
The Texans receivers were held in check against a tough Jaguars pass defense. Hopkins and Will Fuller led the way with 40 receiving yards. Offensive yards were hard to come by as they were both bracketed by defenders all game long. The Texans receivers were forced to run short routes for minimal yards throughout the entire game. The Jaguars defense played incredibly tough and we’re quick to make tackles after the Texans’ receivers made the catch.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
- Gardner Minshew: 23/33, 213 1 TD | 6 rushes, 56 Yards
The Jaguars might have found a diamond in the ruff with Gardner Minshew. He was effective with his throws and showed off his legs on his six rushes. Minshew just missed on a few big connections when he overthrew his receivers during the first three quarters. In the fourth, he showed off poise and ability while leading the Jags down the field for what could have been a game-tying score had Jacksonville opted to kick the extra point. Instead, Doug Marrone called in a play for the go-ahead two-point conversion which subsequently failed. Minshew had several impressive throws during the game. Especially along the sidelines and into small windows amid tight coverage. Minshew’s final scoring drive was especially impressive. He picked up yards with tough runs, made difficult throws on the move, and extended plays within the pocket. It looks like the Jaguars should be just fine while Nick Foles is on the sidelines.
Running Backs
- Leanard Fournette: 15 Rushes, 47 Yards | 4 Receptions, 40 Yards
Leanard Fournette had the spotlight of the Texans defense. Outside of Minshaw’s runs, the Jaguars running game was largely held in check for the night. Fournette was often hit at or shortly after he crossed the line of scrimmage. Instead, it was Minshaw who led the Jaguars running game throughout his six attempts.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- Chris Conley: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 73 Yards
- DJ Chark: 9 Targets, 7 Receptions, 55 Yards 1 TD
- James O’Shaughnessy: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 28 Yards
- Geoff Swaim: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 14 Yards
- Dede Westbrook: 5 targets, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
DJ Chark led the Jaguars in receptions and had their only touchdown through the air for Jacksonville. Minshaw extended several plays by moving the pocket and gave his receivers extra time to get open. In the fourth quarter, several Jaguars receivers were able to free themselves from their defenders and make catches while running comeback routes. On Jacksonville’s lone passing touchdown, Minshaw drew the Texans coverage up when he ran from the pocket and located Chark towards the back of the endzone for the score. An impressive read for the rookie quarterback.
- Ben Davidowitz