Jaguars Skid Against Houston Continues

Nobody beats the Jaguars as consistently as the Houston Texans. As a matter of fact, the Texans hold the longest streak of victories (9) against the Jaguars than any other team in franchise history. Despite falling to Houston in an uneventful matchup, the Jaguars exhibited some clear bright spots as an overall unit. For a team in the midst of a rebuilding process with little expectations, a moral victory actually has meaning.

Jaguars Honor Boselli at Halftime

The most notable moment of Sunday’s game actually occurred at halftime. 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Tony Boselli was presented his ring by team president Jim Porter and owner Shad Khan. The team prepared quite the ceremony for the former offensive lineman, rolling out a gold carpet and also honoring his former number.

Thought this was fun from #Jaguars HOF LT Tony Boselli. Getting fans pumped up, calling for the loudest DUUUVAL: pic.twitter.com/06rMGPChYu

— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) October 10, 2022

Back in 1995, Boselli was the first draft pick in team history. As the second overall pick in a star-studded draft, Boselli fulfilled and surpassed all expectations. The USC product was a Pro Bowler in all but two seasons, later being voted to the 1990’s All-Decade team.

Positives Need to Translate into Production

Sunday’s loss should be looked at for what it is, a loss. Aside from all the bright spots that will eventually be discussed, there are some obvious weaknesses on this team.

Texans’ rookie running back Dameon Pierce ran all over the Jaguars defense. The former Florida Gator totaled 131 yards from scrimmage while reaching the end zone once. Despite having two Rookie of the Year candidates at linebacker (Devin Lloyd and Travon Walker) the Jaguars simply struggled to defend the run.

.@DevinLloyd_ is your Defensive Rookie of the Month!#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/0jN0cW0vA1

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 29, 2022

Second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence is still enduring the growing pains that come with establishing chemistry with his wide receivers. There were more than five instances throughout the game when Lawrence failed to connect with an open receiver either due to a drop or an errant throw.

While Lawrence has been demonstrating gradual improvement, the former No.1 overall pick still has to make significant strides as a passer and overall leader.

Moral Victories (Sort of?)

The Jaguars offensive line has proven to be among the league’s best. The backfield tandem of Trevor Etienne and James Robinson are emerging as a formidable duo for years to come. On Sunday, Etienne tallied 114 yards on 13 total touches. Etienne has established his position in the rotation after suffering a season-ending foot injury in 2021.

https://twitter.com/apthirteen/status/1579201738015641600?s=20&t=vZNySqJrSlt8F1MsanTXjw

Lawrence was not sacked at all on Sunday and was only hit one time. Offensive tackle Cam Robinson has proved his value after securing a three-year contract extension worth $54 million.

Off-season addition Evan Engram had his most impressive performance of the season. The former Giant hauled in six passes for a total of 69 yards, while also having a crucial drop.

Next for the Jaguars

Despite collecting two consecutive blow-out victories against the Chargers and Colts, the Jaguars are now on a two-game skid.

Jacksonville faces the Indianapolis Colts for the second time this season on October 16th at 1 p.m.