Jaguars versus Texans: Pressuring QB Davis Mills other keys to victory

2. The Jaguars must pressure Texans QB Davis Mills in Week 17

Sophomore Davis Mills is 4-9 as the Texans starting quarterback and three of those wins came against Jacksonville. Isn’t it crazy that the former Stanford Cardinal has a perfect record against the Jags? Conversely, it’s kind of embarrassing that Jacksonville hasn’t been able to beat a single-caller that’s been underwhelming and was benched earlier this year.

Texans head coach Lovie Smith says Mills has gained more confidence since getting his job back and there’s some truth to that. Over the last three weeks, he’s completed 61.64 percent of his passes for 474 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Those numbers don’t pop off the stat sheet but they’re not horrible either.

Against the Jaguars in Week 5, Mills did enough to help Houston win. If he can avoid mistakes and move the chains on third down, the Texans could pull off the upset. And that’s where the Jaguars and their defense come in.

Although the Jaguars lost defensive end Dawuane Smoot for the season, head coach Doug Pederson told the media Friday he’s optimistic rookie outside linebacker Travon Walker will play in Week 17. Moreover, there’s a good chance defensive tackle Foluronso, who missed the win over the New York Jets, will be available this week.

Regardless of who plays, winning the battle in the trenches and pressuring Mills will go a long way toward winning this one. It would also help to take wide receiver Brandin Cooks away. Without any other viable options in the passing game, the Texans could struggle to move the ball in Week 17.