Jaguars dismantle Texans in Week 17, get 8th win of 2022 season

In previous seasons, the Jacksonville Jaguars would find themselves on the wrong end of lopsided losses. But not this year. Although they couldn’t shut out the Houston Texans in Week 17, they still manage to beat their division foes 31-3 and earn their eighth victory of the 2022 season.

Despite the fact that this was a ‘meaningless’ game, one the Jags could lose and not hurt their chances of making the playoffs, they went full steam against Houston. Moreover, they put their foot on the gas pedal from the very beginning and didn’t take it off until they had built a favorable lead.

Their defense was off to a hot start, getting the ball over on downs. The offense wasted no time and scored on a touchdown run by JaMycal Hasty.

The coaching staff’s emphasis on running the ball also paid off. Sophomore Travis Etienne was unstoppable in the first half, toting the rock nine times for 109 yards with a touchdown. 62 of those yards came on a big run he broke off in the second half. Also of note was cornerback Tyson Campbell, who recovered a lost fumble and took it to Houston’s endzone for the touchdown that gave the Jags a 14-0 lead.

After a productive first half, Etienne left the field and paved the way for Hasty and Snoop Conner, who scored the first touchdown of his NFL career. Also, Lawrence was pulled in the second half once the Jags had built a 28-3 lead. Although the sophomore threw an interception that fell straight into the hands of defensive back Desmond King, he played a solid game, going 17-of-21 for 152 yards.

The Jaguars broke several team and individual records vs. the Texans

As soon as the Jaguars’ offense got on the field, they looked for wide receiver Christian Kirk, who needed 12 yards to register the first 1,000-yard season of his career. He got them in his first reception, which went for 13 yards.

Also, Evan Engram broke yet another franchise record. Against the Tennesse Titans in Week 14, he set a team record for yards in a single game by a tight end with 162. In Week 17, he set the franchise record for years by a tight end in a season, previously held by Kyle Brady, with 739.

Last but not least, the Jaguars ended a nine-game losing skid against the Texans. They hadn’t beaten their division foes since 2017. Moreover, this was the second time since 2008 that Jacksonville won eight games in a season. Simply, the Jags keep exceeding expectations in head coach Doug Pederson’s first season at the helm. Now, only the Tennessee Titans stand between them and the playoffs and the division title.