October 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis (27) is called for pass interference while breaking up a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

A major headline this offseason was Maurice Jones-Drew holding out this season for a bigger contract. In response, Owner Shahid Khan stated the train’s leaving! MJD’s hold out could be considered based out of greed or a smart strategy to take care of his family for the future, or somewhere in between. However, it is all irrelevant, as the hold out was detrimental to both sides. MJD has been lost for almost the entire season and the Jaguars have struggled once again.

The Jaguars strategy however still lives, and in the long run it will pay off. This year MJD held out and returned on his own power after seeing the front office refusing to budge. This is much like the year before, when cornerback Rashean Mathis skipped OTA’s for a longer contract. Mathis is a prized player, but the Jaguars front office was not on the same page for his demands as he was entering the twilight of his career. Much like Jones-Drew, Mathis suffered a season ending injury (ACL tear) and was only re-signed to a 1 year contract. All leverage was lost.

Two star players both lost leverage and money in back to back seasons. While the Jaguars haven’t done the greatest on field, they have been great in controlling the demands of their best players. On the other hand, MJD’s contract has one year remaining, so how smart the Jaguars are depends on how they deal with that remaining year.

- Antonio Furgiuele

This week’s matchup versus the Houston Texans seems to have all the makings of an easy win for the visiting AFC South favorites. The Jaguars will likely be without 4 starters – Daryl Smith, Derek Cox, Eben Britton, and Cameron Bradfield – and Rashad Jennings will likely sit out as well. With nearly every pundit predicting that the Texans will roll, it doesn’t seem like there will be much intrigue in Sunday’s game. They’re all forgetting one thing though – THE STACHE.

Wear that stache proudly Jaxson. Wear it proud. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Wear that stache proudly Jaxson. Wear it proud.

In Shahid Khan’s first home game as the owner, I expect the Jags to show up in a big way.

The Jaguars offensive line will give up 4 or more sacks: FICTION

My ‘fiction’ is a complete leap of faith that Mularkey and company won’t be irresponsible enough to put Guy Whimper out there at right tackle. They are literally putting Blaine in harm’s way. If Eben is healthy enough to go, expect him to kick outside and play tackle. I’m also anticipating a similar offensive game plan to what we saw in Minnesota – quick passes on short drops – but expect a few more screens with Maurice Jones-Drew in the mix. I don’t think the offensive staff is going to call too many plays where Blaine has to hold the ball and wait a long time for routes to develop.

Sep 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) yells during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Blaine Gabbert will throw for 200+ yards and 2 TDs against the Texans: FICTION

The wheels started to come off the offense last week when Britton and Bradfield had to leave the game. The gameplan will be adjusted accordingly this week, but the Jaguars couldn’t maintain their consistent offensive pace while shorthanded on the offensive line. Blaine also managed to play relatively mistake free football last week. He’ll be under more pressure this week against a better secondary. I don’t think Blaine will have a bad game, but he’s going to have a tougher time against an elite defensive unit.

The Jaguars will keep Arian Foster under 120 total yards: FACT

The Jaguars struggled last week to keep Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin under wraps. Bad angles and broken tackles led to a lot of running room for both players. Arian Foster is just as effective catching the ball out of the backfield as he is running between the tackles. Regardless, I expect the Jaguars to do a better job this week against the Texans’ zone blocking scheme. The Texans O-line is definitely weaker than last year and Tyson Alualu should perform better against the Texans zone scheme compared to Peterson’s power running game last week.

Maurice Jones-Drew will have more than 120 total yards: FACT

With Rashad Jennings out, Mojo is going to make a lot of fantasy owners very happy this week. The Jags will be running a lot this Sunday especially if they keep the game close, and Mojo should be more involved with the passing game to keep pressure off of Gabbert. If Jones-Drew can gain some of his old form, the Jags might be able to pull this one out.

Blaine Gabbert will have more than 2 expletives caught on television: FACT

WHOAH THERE MOTHER F#@*ER! (link is rated R).

With his new hairdo, Gabbert is at least 12 times more badass. Brian Cushing better watch out.

I have a knack for finding flattering pictures of players. You’re welcome Brian. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

 I have a knack for finding flattering pictures of players. You’re welcome Brian. 

Since the fact that the owner has the most kick-ass rich person stache since Rich Uncle Pennybags has nothing to do with the play on the field, I still expect the Jags to come up a bit short. If Gabbert and the offense can start quickly and get some points on the board early the Jaguars have a chance, but the offensive line injuries put the team at a significant disadvantage. But since I’m enough of a homer to pick the Jaguars every week, I’m going to go with the home team for this prediction. Expect a close game though.

Jaguars 21 – Texans 20

- Daniel Lago

Zach Miller has gone down with yet another injury, this time with a right knee ailment. Despite constant praise by coaches for his innate talent and after-the-catch ability, Miller has failed to meet the astronomical expectations coaches keep setting for him – mainly because he’s been unable to stay on the practice field. His ability is certainly intoxicating, often drawing comparisons one of Peyton Manning’s favorite and most productive targets, Indy TE Dallas Clark. I don’t think that missing the rest of the preseason would doom him to being released before the regular season, but Miller may be a tougher decision than many think and is likely to find himself a free agent if he’s unable to put in a full season for his third consecutive year as a pro.