Predicting the Jaguars game against the Texans

Will the Jaguars get their first win of the 2019 season? Here are a few predictions for Sunday’s game at Houston?

The Gardner Minshew hype train has taken off in a big way here in Jacksonville. It would appear everywhere you turn in this city, the current Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback is on the minds of fans, local sports radio and the community. “Minshew Mania” has taken on a life of its own, which is great for the rookie sixth-round draft pick out of Washington State and the football team.

Now, the two must parlay this hysteria into a victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. This is certainly a case of myth being greater than anything at the moment. A loss would bring this organization back to the reality of being a team that is dealing with injuries, a tough division in the AFC South and an offense that is still developing and a defense looking to regain its identity.

Minshew, believe it or not, is in a tough spot. A win isn’t a must, but it will keep the Jaguars in the talk of possible playoff contention. A loss has us all talking about what could have been.

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The Texans present a tough challenge for Minshew with their pass rush and home-field advantage. Can the rookie walk into Houston and win on the road and give the Jaguars momentum heading into Thursday night’s game against Tennessee? It’s a lot to ask of one person.

Our staff here at Black and Teal looked at this week’s game and had a few things to say about the Jaguars and a prediction for the outcome of Sunday’s matchup.

Lorenzino Estrada: Gardner Minshew makes his first NFL start on Sunday, bringing along with him a plethora of hype and anticipation. Minshew will struggle early on but will find his groove as the game goes on.

Jacksonville’s defense will not have as terrible an outing as last Sunday, but will still give its fair share of yardage and scoring to the strong Texans receiving core. Despite this, the Jaguars are too banged up and defeated to be a solid Texans team on the road. Texans 27-16.

Kathy Clark: This week I will predict with my heart, not my head.  Here is what will happen.  Gardner Minshew will have another good game. Leonard Fournette will have 100 yards from scrimmage.  The defense will have two turnovers.

Todd Wash will make defensive adjustments at half time if needed. Bottom line: Jaguars win 24-20.

Jess Overby: This week’s game against the Texans is a polar opposite of last week’s game against the Chiefs. The Texans defense is better than their offense. However, DeAndre Hopkins has had some of his best games against the Jaguars, even with Jalen Ramsey covering him.

This one will be close, but I think the Jaguars win 21-17.

David Levin: It’s hard to see this game other than a “must-win” for the Jaguars. The NFL season is short and the team faces Tennessee on Thursday night. Jacksonville cannot fall into an 0-2 hole to start the season.

I’m a bit worried the “Minshew Mania” is bigger than the player. He has played in one game and already has been anointed as the savior of this franchise. It’s tough for a rookie quarterback to win in this league.

The Jaguars defense will have to play better this week and face a mobile quarterback in Deshaun Watson. Jacksonville did not fare well last season against mobile passers. Jaguars fall 20-17.