The Jacksonville Jaguars will have a prime opportunity to bounce back from their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals when they face the Houston Texans in Week 3.
While the Texans are the reigning division champions, they're 0-2 to start the season and are as vulnerable as they've been in a while. In fact, they're just coming off an embarrassing loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. And during the debacle, one of their biggest flaws was exposed.
The Jaguars must run the ball vs. the Texans in Week 3
Following the loss to the Bucs, head coach DeMeco Ryans said that the Jacksonville offense shares similarities with the Buccaneers and Rams structures. This is due to the fact that Coen was a coach for both teams prior to signing with the Jags. But this isn't a good thing.
The Buccaneers just rammed the ball down into Houston's throat, racking up 30 carries for 169 yards with one touchdown. You could say, "Well, that was Tampa Bay." And that's the thing, the Jaguars are much better at toting the rock.
The Jags lead the league in rushing yards and rank seventh in rushing touchdowns two weeks into the regular season. With the trio of Travis Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen, their running game is in great shape ahead of Week 3.
On defense, the Jacksonville offense also has a favorable matchup. They've tallied 41 pressures and four sacks in the first two games, while the Texans have given up five sacks and given up an alarming 48 yards. Something's gotta give.
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The Jaguars have a chance to get solidify their place in the AFC South
The Colts sit at the top of the AFC South with a 2-0 record. The Jaguars are right behind them at 1-1. Meanwhile, the Texans and the Titans are 0-2 and find themselves in the cellar of the division.
If the Jaguars beat Houston, they'll narrow the gap with the Colts, and if Indy loses in Week 3, they would be tied for the division lead. Of course, it would all be moot if Jacksonville falls to the Texans.
The good news is that the Buccaneers just showcased the blueprint to beat the Texans, and the Jaguars are in a prime position to use it in Week 3.
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