The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to a hot start in Week 10. They eventually ran cold and fell to the Houston Texans. Right after Jarrian Jones picked off Devis Mills on the first drive, kicker Cam Little scored the first three points of the game with a 32-yard field goal.
After Little's field goal, Parker Washington scored two touchdowns, one was a seven-yard reception, and the other one took place during a return. The Texans managed to narrow down the difference and even made things interesting in the fourth quarter. They began to put points on the scoreboard and ultimately won 36-29.
In the end, the Jaguars couldn't handle Houston and left NRG Stadium with their third loss of the season. Now, they're three games behind the Indianapolis Colts, who sit at 8-2 after beating the Atlanta Falcons.
All things considered, the Jaguars proved that they're not truly deserving of a playoff seed. And with this in mind, here are four critical observations from the win over the dreaded divisional rival.
The Jaguars defense cooled down after a strong start
Before the game, C.J. Stroud was ruled out for the game with a concussion. Similarly, the Houston Texans have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. When you add it all up, the Jacksonville defense knew it had an opportunity to feast but wasn't able to take advantage of it.
Arik Armstead and Antonio Johnson had sacks. Travon Walker could've had another one but was instead flagged for a questionable roughing the passer call. The secondary held its own as well, and aside from a Hail Mary before halftime that didn't go anywhere, it prevented the Houston offense from hitting its stride... at least early on.
The Texans got hot in the second half and made things interesting. By the fourth quarter, they had drew within 29-24 and later scored on a Davis Mills' rushing touchdown to make it 30-29. What started as a promising outing turned out to be one of the worst of the year.
Parker Washington deserves a bigger role at receiver
With Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and Travis Hunter in the fold, Parker Washington didn't get much playing time early in the season. But Thomas, Brown, and Hunter have dealt with injuries at different points in recent weeks. That's pressed Washington into action, and he's made the most of his chances.
After hauling in eight receptions for 80 yards in Week 9, he logged a seven-yard touchdown catch and a return for a touchdown in the Texans game. Although the latter may've been the more electrifying of the two, the former proved just how valuable he truly is.
Sure, the newly acquired Jakobi Meyers is still getting a grasp of the offense, while both Thomas and Hunter will eventually return. Nevertheless, Washington has done enough to prove he deserves more playing time.
The Jaguars didn't get enough from Trevor Lawrence
With all the transactions the Jaguars made in recent weeks, they took the spotlight a bit away from Trevor Lawrence. It helps that they've won both of their last two games, but No. 16 has yet to flip the switch. He's most definitely playing cleaner and using his legs more, but has yet to take the next step. Moreover, he failed to put the team on his shoulders in Week 10.
Against the Texans, Lawrence was 13-of-23 for 158 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The pick was on him as he threw a pass behind his intended target, and where cornerback Derek Stingley was able to snatch it. Then, trailing 30-29, he could put the Jags in field goal position or throw a Hail Mary to score. He was picked off by Will Anderson, who took it to the house.
Questions about Lawrence's his future in Jacksonville won't go away anytime soon.
Jakobi Meyers didn't score but showed the Jaguars were right to trade for him
Having Jakobi Meyers was a breath of fresh air on offense. The Jags had struggled with drops, and he excels in that area, so his presence should help them fix that issue short-term and long-term. He delivered, and did it on his birthday.
Meyers didn't score a touchdown. Well, he did, but it was nullified. Nevertheless, he came up clutch several times and showed a willingness to block even though he had less than a week to get acclimated to the playbook. Based on the early success of the trade, expect him to get an even bigger role next week.