Fact or Fiction

Oh yes it’s back – it’s time for another edition of Black and Teal fact or fiction. Last week I nailed my predictions for Blaine and Percy Harvin (although Harvin had a pretty good game) but I was way off on the Kalil vs. Branch matchup in the trenches. After one of the more gut-wrenching losses I can remember, I can at least take solace in the fact that I didn’t completely embarrass myself in the first edition of this totally arbitrary and non-standard prediction game I’ve created.

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