Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston: Tyrod Taylor plus 9 Texans to watch

A fan waits for the start of the game between the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
A fan waits for the start of the game between the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Chris Conley #18. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense must neutralize these Texans.

Chris Conley, wide receiver

That’s right, former Jaguars wide receiver Chris Conley found a new home in Houston this offseason. Conley will line up opposite Brandin Cooks in Week 1. While he hasn’t gotten many chances throughout his career, he’s proven he can play at a high level when called upon.

Back in 2019, he hauled in a career-high 47 receptions for 775 yards and five touchdowns. Expect Conley to post similar numbers in the 2021 season as the number-two receiver on the Texans roster. On Sunday, he will likely match up against second-year cornerback and former teammate C.J. Henderson.

Laremy Tunsil, left tackle

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil may not have gotten more attention in 2020 because the Texans won just four games. Nevertheless, he quietly had a superb season. The 2016 first-round pick allowed just two sacks and a career-low 19 total pressures. Moreover, he’s posted Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grades of 85.8 or higher over the last two seasons.

Mark Ingram, running back

The Texans could have a combination of Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay, and David Johnson carry the ball. Ingram may be the most talented of the bunch and remains productive despite the fact that he’s 31. The Alabama product was limited to 72 carries for 299 yards and two touchdowns in 2020 but pass the 1,000-yard mark and averaged 5.0 yards per run the season before.

Ingram may eventually hit the end of the line but he should have a couple of solid years left in the tank. The Jaguars must account for him whenever he’s on the field even if he isn’t the Texans’ lead running back.