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

The two best Texans offensive players the Jacksonville Jaguars will face.

Brandin Cooks, wide receiver

When talking about the best wide receivers in the NFL, it’s easy to forget Brandin Cooks. Although the 2014 first-round pick isn’t in the same echelon as Julio Jones or Devante Adams, he’s posted five 1,000-yard seasons over the last six years.

Cooks is one of the Texans’ most dynamic weapons on offense and one that could do serious damage.

Tyrod Taylor, quarterback

In Deshaun Watson’s absence, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has become the Texans de facto leader. Although he isn’t as talented as Watson, he is no slouch. He’s started games (and won) games for several franchises such as the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Buffalo Bills. However, the 2011 sixth-round pick has started more than four games just once since 2017. He will make his first start for the Texans Sunday.

If the Jaguars’ defense can neutralize Taylor, their odds of winning the game will increase considerably.

Here are five Texans the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense must account for.

Vernon Hargreaves III, cornerback

Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III has been a fixture of the Texans’ secondary every since they acquired him off of waivers in November of the 2019 season. The 2016 first-round pick has appeared in 22 games with 18 starts during his stint in H-Town. He will often be tasked to cover Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark Jr.

Hargreaves signed a one-year contract this offseason to stay with the Texans. He isn’t much of a ballhawk, having snagged three career interceptions. Chark will have a solid game if he wins this matchup.