Jaguars will face Lamar Miller and the Texans on Sunday
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars will face Lamar Miller and the Houston Texans running game on Sunday in the season finale for both AFC South franchises.
The Houston Texans have announced that running back Lamar Miller has been cleared to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The running back has missed last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles after he suffered an ankle injury in the game against the New York Jets two weeks ago.
The news of Miller’s return may not be great news for the Jaguars defense, which had issues stopping the former University of Miami star.
In Week 7 of the NFL season, Miller ran for 100 yards on 23 carries in a 20-7 win over Jacksonville at TIAA Bank Field. The loss exposed the defense, which could not stop the running game and looked vulnerable against the pass.
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The unit has played better defense in the second half of the 2018 season, especially the past three weeks where the unit has held opponents to 19 points total. Jacksonville is ranked fifth overall in the NFL in total defense this season.
"Per ESPN.com, “The Texans’ leading rusher this season, Miller has 917 yards with four touchdowns on 193 carries.”"
It will be important for the team’s interior defense to play well. Rookie Taven Bryan has been used more inside at the three-technique, taking snaps away from veteran defensive tackle Malik Jackson, who more than likely is playing his final game in a Jaguars uniform on Sunday.
Marcell Dareus and Abry Jones will also have to play better than their first encounter with the Texans.
As John Oehser of Jaguars.com wrote this week, this week may not matter in terms of the team’s record this season, but it is a chance to show the continued improvements on the defensive side of the ball.
"“The Jaguars’ defense has a chance Sunday to complete a strong finish to what overall has been a strong season. After ranking second in the NFL in yards allowed last season, the Jaguars rank fifth in total yardage this season – and a solid performance Sunday would mean a third consecutive top 10 finish defensively,” he explained."
Miller is not the only threat to run the ball. Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s scrambling ability could give the defense fits this weekend. Jacksonville has not done well against mobile signal callers this year.
Stopping Watson would mean the Texans would rely on Miller to move the football, which could play right into defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s game plan for Sunday.
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"“After allowing 20 or more points in every game of a seven-game losing streak, the Jaguars have allowed more than 20 points just once in the last four games,” writes Oehser. “They allowed 30 points in a December 6 loss to Tennessee, but shutout the Colts on December 2, allowed 16 to Washington on December 16 and held Miami to seven this past weekend.”"