Jaguars @ Texans
Final Score: Texans 24, Jaguars 20
Writer: Darian Hudock (@DarianQB_List)
We can now add the ninth consecutive loss to Trevor Lawrence’s young career after the last-second touchdown from third-string running back Dare Ogunbowale propelled the Texans to their third win of the young season. The Texans were able to overcome an early turnover and what seemed like an endless stream of penalties mostly due to a tremendous effort by star wide receiver Nico Collins, who looks to be one of the best wide receivers in the entire league. While Lawrence and the Jags didn’t turn the ball over, they just weren’t able to capitalize in a few key moments, ultimately leading to their demise.
Three Up
- Christian Kirk – Very high target share, looks like he’s going to be needed going forward
- Nico Collins – With Tank Dell out, Nico showed out with 12 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown
- Dare Ogunbowale – Houston’s clear receiving back while Mixon is out
Two Down
- Travis Etienne – Ceded more work to teammate Tank Bigsby
- Dalton Schultz – Only received three targets despite being “moved up” in the pecking order
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence: 18/33, 169 Yards, 2 TD, 3 Rushes, 5 Yards
It has been a difficult start to the season for Lawrence and Sunday’s matchup against the Texans wasn’t much better. Despite a relatively clean game from the offense, they were never able to move the ball down the field consistently throughout the game. The good news for fantasy managers is Lawrence was able to lean heavily on his favorite targets, with 13 of his 18 completions going to Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Lawrence was stuffed on fourth-and-goal from Houston’s one-yard line, a play that ultimately led to the comeback.
Running Back
Travis Etienne: 11 Rushes, 50 Yards, 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
This was a game Etienne’s managers will be quick to try and forget. After starting the game on the bench with a questionable-to-return tag, a move that surprised even the commentators calling the game, Etienne wasn’t able to get into the groove of the game. When Etienne received touches he was his normal explosive self, however, it was discouraging to see teammate Tank Bigsby receive seven touches to Etienne’s 12. While the injury designation to begin the game may have had something to do with his limited performance, managers will want to see more from Etienne next week.
Tank Bigsby: 7 Rushes, 90 Yards
A nice game from Bigsby against a tough Texans defensive front. He displayed good patience behind the line and was serviceable as a pass protector. Bigsby’s day peaked with a 58-yard run that saw the Jag’s line open a hole and Bigdby used his speed to rush down the sideline to Houston’s four-yard line.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Brian Thomas Jr: 9 Targets, 6 Receptions, 86 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Rush, 13 Yards
With all the noise made by rookies around the league, Brian Thomas Jr. added another strong game to his resume on Sunday. Thomas is quickly building rapport with Lawrence, and it’s showing in the games. Thomas is a big and fast receiver who used that speed to build yards after the catch on his six receptions. His size also makes him a great target in the red zone, as he was drawn up as the target in an RPO situation from the goal line.
Christian Kirk: 12 Targets, 7 Receptions, 61 Yards, 1 TD
This was a pleasant sight for Christian Kirk managers who have been craving some type of target volume over the beginning of the season. Kirk was a focal point of the coaching staff, with multiple first-look routes run specifically for him. It was nice to see him working the middle of the field to find soft spots in zone, or using his quick feet to create space against man coverage. Kirk also caught a touchdown on a terrific pass from Lawrence, his first of the season.
Gabe Davis: 5 Targets, 1 Reception, -2 Yards
Not much to say about Gabe Davis after this one. His route participation is strong, but his targets are not thrown in high-efficiency areas of the field. He almost salvaged his day with a dropped endzone target against tough coverage, but ultimately was a complete non-factor in the offense.
Brenton Strange: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 19 Yards
With Evan Engram still sidelined, Brenton Strange once again filled in as a serviceable but not spectacular option for the passing game. Mostly targeted in check-down situations, Strange didn’t receive the volume or opportunity to produce well for fantasy teams.
Houston Texans
Quarterback
CJ Stroud: 27/40, 345 Yards, 2 TD, 3 Rushes, 17 Yards
In what was an up-and-down game for the Texans, Stroud did what we’ve come to expect. The second-year playcaller showed tremendous poise, delivering accurate strikes all over the field. With his self-proclaimed favorite target sidelined, Stroud was especially fond of targeting wide receiver Nico Collins as the duo connected for over 150 yards through the air. When the stakes were high, Stroud led his team down the field and delivered a touchdown pass to running back Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds left to clinch the win.
Running Back
Cam Akers: 13 Rushes, 53 Yards
In his second consecutive start for the Texans, Cam Akers produced the way the team needed him to. As the primary ball carrier, he showed strength and vision running through the core of the Jaguars defense. Akers converted on multiple first downs for his team and showed a knack for avoiding taking negative plays. What fantasy managers will be missing is any use in the passing game, with Akers receiving zero targets despite playing a large number of snaps for the team.
JJ Taylor: 6 Rushes, 18 Yards, 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Taylor didn’t do much on Sunday, primarily entering the game on long drives where Akers needed a breather. When he was used, nothing jumped off the screen at you. A competent running back, but nothing that will be impacting your fantasy rosters.
Dare Ogunbowale: 2 Rushes, 7 Yards, 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 47 Yards, 1 TD
What an unlikely hero for the Texans. After opening the season as the fourth option at running back, injuries have placed Ogunbowale on the field and he is taking full advantage. While he is rarely used in the rushing game, he is on the field for almost all of the Texans’ passing situations. In those situations, he showed great hands and tremendous RAC ability, especially on a 31-yard pickup on third-and-18. On the Texans’ go-ahead touchdown, he was the first read for CJ Stroud and walked into the endzone.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Nico Collins: 15 Targets, 12 Receptions, 151 Yards, 1 TD
He’s a beast, he’s a dawg, he’s a problem. With Tank Dell sidelined, many expected Collins to perform well but I don’t think anyone expected this. From the opening whistle, Nico was everywhere on the field. His 6’4″ frame was boxing smaller defenders away from the ball, and once the ball was in his hands his incredible speed created missed tackles and turned small plays into touchdowns. The Jags could do nothing to stop Collins, who seemed to win against any coverage despite whomever the defense chose to match him up with.
Stefon Diggs: 9 Targets, 5 Receptions, 69 Yards, 1 Rush, 6 Yards, 1 TD
Stefon Diggs also benefitted from teammate Dell’s absence, commanding over a 20% target share and scoring on a nice run play that saw him reverse field and beat the defense to the goal line. Diggs was winning all over the field on Sunday, but his main success came along the boundaries using his strong hands and elite route running to create space in tight windows.
Dalton Schultz: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 34 Yards
On Sunday, Dalton Schultz performed reminiscent of the tight ends of the early 2000s. While he didn’t light up the stat sheet, his receptions seemed to come at the perfect time for the Texans. On a catch late in the game, Shultz was able to make a nice move after the catch and convert on third down at an important time for his team.
Robert Woods: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
We all remember the times when Woods was considered arguably the best WR2 in the NFL. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Woods was offered a solid opportunity but was unable to capitalize. He just isn’t able to create separation the way he once was, and it’s going to continue to lead to disappointing performances.