After a hot start to the season with a dominant win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost in disappointing fashion to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Despite mostly positive play from a stellar offensive line, an aggressive defense, and a solid run game, mistakes have been a problem. The Jags did enough to overcome them against the Panthers, but Cincinnati proved too good, even with backup quarterback Jake Browning.
But mistakes are to be expected with a new coaching staff and several rookies taking the field in large roles. There's much more to love than to hate, and I expect the Jaguars to come out on top at home against a struggling Houston team. Here are three insane predictions to watch for this Sunday.
Insane prediction No. 1: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. has 100+ yards receiving and a TD
Okay, this should NOT be an insane prediction, but BTJ has been receiving smoke—even subconsciously from the Jaguars own media team—this week for what looked like a lackluster effort in their Week 2 loss. Head coach Liam Coen offered an excuse, but that's exactly what it sounded like: an excuse.
But Thomas earned himself a spot at the Pro Bowl last year, despite quarterback Trevor Lawrence missing most of the season. The LSU alum played lights out for seventeen games, drawing double teams and still coming away with over 1,200 yards on the year. The Jaguars—and fans—had high hopes for him this year, especially with the addition of rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter drawing his own attention.
With the Jags figuring out Hunter's play time and rookie Bhayshul Tuten starting to draw the eyes of defenders, expect Lawrence to find a way to get BTJ the ball. As Lawrence said in his post-game presser (1:50 mark), "He's a great player, so it's always going to be part of our plan to get him the ball."
Related: Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence just got harshly criticized (and it’s not justified)
Insane prediction No. 2: Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence doesn't turn the ball over
Another insane prediction that shouldn't be all that insane, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence has struggled with ball protection throughout his career. With 49 interceptions and 22 lost fumbles over 62 games, he's TD to turnover ratio is nearly 1:1 (73 TDs and 71 turnovers). Although one of his interceptions last week might not be his fault, he has still shown this to be a weakness, with three picks in two games.
I expect this to be a focus this week. The Jaguars will lean on the run game; they lead the league in both rushing yards and yards per carry through two games (339 and 5.8 yards, respectively), so Lawrence hopefully won't throw the ball 42 times like he did in Cincinnati. The Houston Texans are also one of 11 teams without an interception this season, and I don't expect Week 3 to be the week they pull one in.
Insane prediction No. 3: The Jaguars defense racks up three more takeaways
While the Texans' defense has registered zero interceptions through two weeks, the Jaguars lead the league (you read that right) with five picks and six overall takeaways. Last year, they totaled a league-low eight. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has preached physicality and aggression all offseason, and that's already showing dividends.
And sure, Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud has only thrown a single pick so far. But he's also only thrown a single touchdown, and the Texans are down 0-2 in the AFC South and panicking. This looks like a must-win game for them, especially with the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis Colts sitting atop the division at 2-0 (yep, you read that right, too).
Another unexpected stat for the Jaguars' defense? They're top 10 in both yards per carry and total rushing yards allowed, 3.8 and 161, respectively. The Texans' offense is in the bottom half of the league in those numbers, so I'm not anticipating a big ground game for them this Sunday. That means Stroud will have to be riskier with the ball in Week 3 if they expect to win. That's something the Jags defense will take advantage of.
Jaguars senior correspondent Brian Sexton says it like this: "If the Jaguars are going to break the Texans' seven-game winning streak at the Jaguars' home, they're going to have to pressure Stroud and create turnovers. The good news is that the Jaguars have created a lot of pressure early in the season, and the Texans offensive line isn't performing at a high level thus far."
Related: Jaguars could end a disturbing trend when they face the Texans in Week 3
Final thoughts
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the playmakers. Areas that needed to improve have improved, though now there are a few areas that seem to be struggling.
I expect this week to be the week that Brian Thomas Jr. reminds us all why he made the Pro Bowl last year, and I expect solid play from the quarterback to help make that happen. Add into the mix a defense that has suddenly become filled with ball hawks, and look to see the Jaguars emerging with a win.