4 Takeaways From Jaguars’ Loss to Texans
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ contest Sunday in London came down to a field goal for the second straight week. However, this time, it wasn’t Cam Little who had the final chance to pull his team ahead as the clock hit zero.
Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn lined up for a 49-yard attempt with the score tied at 31 apiece and gave his team the win at Wembley Stadium.
It was a shootout between the division rivals, as the Jaguars dropped to 4-2 against the Texans (2-4). Quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence combined for seven passing touchdowns when the two main contenders for the AFC South title duked it out.
In the Jaguars’ 34-31 loss, players and units flashed as others struggled to reach the same heights as in past weeks. Here are four takeaways from Jacksonville’s second loss of the season.
Defense Has No Answers for Stroud
Stroud has had a dominant start to the season, and a trip to London certainly didn’t kill his groove. Despite throwing his first interception of the season in the end zone, Stroud lit up Wembley and was sharp throughout the contest.
He finished 24-of-34 passing for 312 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
The Jaguars did not consistently make Stroud uncomfortable in the pocket, giving him plenty of time to make big-time plays. Also a result of a struggling secondary, explosive plays haunted the Jaguars.
Stroud connected with wide receiver Jaylin Noel for a game-long 50-yard reception and a 42-yard dot from Stroud to star receiver Nico Collins marked the game’s second longest.
Jacksonville’s pass rush fell flat, a lingering problem from last season. It recorded zero sacks and just two quarterback hits in a low-pressure outing for Stroud.
“Thought they made too many plays in the pass game,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said. “I didn’t feel like we were under a lot of duress either. I think that venue benefits the offense in a lot of ways in terms of the pass rush.”
Running Backs Flash
In the first few weeks of the season, the Jaguars running back unit didn’t look like the committee it was expected to be. Returner Bhayshul Tuten got the majority of the snaps, while newcomer Chris Rodriguez Jr. took a back seat.
However, the committee-style backfield was in full swing Sunday when Rodriguez had his most successful outing as a Jaguar. Tuten logged 12 carries for 39 yards on the ground to go along with two receiving touchdowns and a solid three grabs for 40 yards in the air.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez added a team-high 55 rushing yards for 11 carries. Jacksonville recorded 106 yards on the ground.
“They ran really hard and gave us a chance at least to win it,” Coen said.
Brian Thomas Jr. Falls Flat Again
This season is not off to a desirable start for Brian Thomas Jr., but Coen seemed to reach the end of his rope with the wide receiver Sunday.
Thomas was targeted two times in the first half, but didn’t grab either, dropping his first look of the day on a solid pass from Lawrence. He saw zero snaps in the second half.
With his continued insufficient output, it’s possible the Jaguars may look for options to trade Thomas. The Jaguars’ wide receiver corps is deep enough to make up for Thomas’ struggles — specifically with rookie Josh Cameron stepping up in a big way. But Thomas was expected to be one of the faces of the room alongside Parker Washington, and his lackluster showings have certainly been felt.
“Just week to week,” Coen said about the decision to bench Thomas. “Guys have to step up and make plays.”
After a standout rookie campaign where he was an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist and Pro Bowler, Thomas has been unable to reach the same heights.
Travis Hunter Shines on Both Sides of the Ball
The player Jacksonville selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft finally came to play. Travis Hunter impressed on both sides of the ball.
On the defensive end, Hunter logged an interception in the end zone, picking off Stroud’s pass intended for Xavier Hutchinson with 3:59 to play in the game. It was the team’s biggest defensive play of the day, giving Lawrence and crew the chance to tie the game on their next drive.
Hunter finished with three tackles (one solo) to go along with the interception.
Offensively, Hunter finished with four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. For his sole house call, he caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence with 11:30 to play in the fourth quarter.
He became the first NFL player since Brian Dawkins in 2002 to record an interception and a touchdown in the same game.
“He made some critical plays for us on both sides of the football,” Coen said. “Obviously had the interception late that gave us a chance to win the game.”
Category: Feature Sports News, Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL
