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

1. The Jaguars’ offense must get to a hot start vs. the Texans

You could make the case that it doesn’t matter if an offense starts slow as long as they win the game and that’s true to a certain extend. On he other hand, winning is easier when you don’t have to crawl back from a hole you dig.

The Jaguars have trailed in a handful of games this season but they have also mounted several succesful comebacks. However, they can’t expect to turn things around they’re losing. That’s not a sustainable way to win. Fortunately, it looks like Jacksonville has a favorably matchup against the Texans’ defense and should be able to put point on the scoreboard early and often.

Houston ranks 30th in yards allowed and 26th in points scored. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence is playing like a top-10 quarterack and most of the Jags’ 2022 free-agency additions are clicking. Tight end Evan Engram, and wide receivers Zay Jones and Christian Kirk all have had oustanding performances this season and Houston doesn’t have the personnel to stop all f them.

Also, the Jaguars need to get running back Travis Etienne involved. Although he had a midseason slump, he played well the last two weeks, racking up 186 carries on 41 carries. The Texans have one of the worst defenses against the run and this is the kind of matchup Jacksonville must exploit.

Head coach Doug Pederson isn’t planning on resting any players in Week 17 but if they build a comfortable lead, they could afford to pull some of them out.