Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense has favorable matchup vs Texans in Week 1
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a 3.0-point favorite to beat the Houston Texans in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season. Despite the fact that the Jags have a favorable matchup, they aren’t taking their opponent lightly. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell had a sitdown with the local media on Thursday and discusses the preparation ahead of Sunday’s game.
Bevell talked about the Jaguars’ newest addition to the wide receiver corps, Tyron Johnson. The Jaguars offensive coordinator praised his speed but says that the team wants him to be more than just a one-trick pony.
"He’s been a really good addition to us, he does have speed. He has other abilities as well. The biggest thing for us right now is getting them up to speed. That’s always a challenge for coaches when you bring in a new guy on short notice. And Sanjay and the rest of the guys have been doing a really good job to get them up to speed. We don’t want them as a one-trick pony."
After going undrafted in 2019, Johnson signed with the Texans. He was later waived that year and spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Houston (again), and the Carolina Panthers before joining the Los Angeles Chargers late in the season. The Oklahoma State product showed flashes last season, hauling in 20 receptions for 398 yards and three trips to the endzone. He also averaged 19.9 yards per catch, which was probably one of the reasons he got the Jaguars’ brass attention and prompted them to claim him off of waivers after roster cutdown day.
The Jaguars’ wide receiver corps will be at full strength in 2021. DJ Chark Jr. will return to the starting lineup after missing the preseason with a thumb injury. Just like Johnson, the 2018 Pro Bowl nod offers an element of speed that will give the Jaguars’ offense a boost. Keep in mind that that Jaguars wideouts will have a favorable matchup against the Texans’ secondary. Houston just traded former first-round pick, Bradley Roby to the New Orleans Saints, leaving Vernon Hargreaves and Terrance Mitchell as their top two cornerbacks.