Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 players who must show out vs Texans in Week 1

Jacksonville Jaguars player who must show out No. 2 – EDGE Josh Allen

If the Jaguars’ defense wants to rattle Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor from the get-go, they will need the front seven need to apply pressure on every single down, and EDGE rusher Josh Allen must play like the difference-maker that made the Pro Bowl back in 2019.

After logging 10.5 sacks, 44 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and four tackles for a loss in his rookie campaign, Allen suffered a dip in production last season and posted just 2.5 sacks. Context is necessary to understand the dropoff though. The Kentucky product suffered a knee injury that limited him to eight games and hindered his performance whenever he played.

Allen missed the last two games of the preseason after being placed on the COVID-19/Reserve list. However, the team activated him one day before the last round of roster cuts and is ready to go in Week 1.

Allen is now fully healthy and had an outstanding offseason, often displaying the explosiveness and bend that helped him thrive in his rookie campaign. The 2019 first-round pick is now at full strength and will lead the Jaguars’ front seven in Week 1. On Sunday, he will line up against Texans right tackle Charlie Herk, a 2020 fourth-round pick that appeared in three games last season and has one NFL under his belt. Allen should be able to win this matchup more often than not, and if he does, it could be a long day for Tyrod Taylor.