A statistical recap of the Jaguars statement AFC South win vs. the Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars marched into Houston and handled business. Being a heavily-anticipated matchup, the game did not disappoint, as a potential game-tying field goal by the Texans bounced off the cross, securing the Jags' eighth win of the year.

As has often been the case this season, the Jaguars outperformed the Texans for most of the game and should have won more handily. Regardless, the Jags have now won two AFC South games in back-to-back weeks and put the division in the back mirror.

Key Stats from the Jaguars win vs. the Texans in Week 12

The key stats for this game were nearly even except for sacks. The Jaguars offensive line, despite losing left tackle Cam Robinson on the second drive of the game, gave up zero sacks.

Meanwhile, outside linebacker Josh Allen’s 2.5 sacks took him to second all-time for the Jaguars (39.5) including 1.5 sacks on the final drive which ultimately led to the game-tying field goal coming up just short.

Jaguars Offensive Breakdown vs. the Texans in Week 12

Travis Etienne saw his rushing share increase back up to close to 70 percent last Sunday, despite leaving the game for a series due to a chest injury (he later returned). In his absence, D’Ernest Johnson took most of the load with Tank Bigsby only getting one carry for six yards.

The tight end room had their most productive day of the season, with Evan Engram and Luke Farrell combining for eight catches and 104 yards. The running backs also got involved in the passing game, no play more important than D’Ernest Johnson’s 42-yard catch down to the Houston eight-yard line.

The Jaguars once again pushed the ball downfield this week. On throws of 10+ air yards, the Jaguars were 7-of-11 for 180 yards and this includes two drops (Ridley and Kirk) that Trevor had put on the money. Ridley also drew another defensive pass interference penalty, leading the league with seven.

Jaguars Offensive Trends To Keep an Eye on

The running game struggled mightily on Sunday, with the Jaguars averaging 2.83 yards per attempt (their lowest of the season). Despite this, Jacksonville passed at a season-low rate on first down (36.7 percent).

According to The Athletic crew, the Jaguars for 5-for-7 for 124 yards on early-down (first or second) play action plays. This equated to an expected points added (EPA) per dropback of 0.88 which is nearly four times what an MVP-level quarterback averages. The early down runs open up the play action.

Trevor Lawrence once again had a very nice day passing (8.74 ANYpPA). Most importantly, the Jaguars were elite on third down. While they faced a third down on 63 percent of their series, the Jaguars converted on 62.5 percent of their third downs (season-high).

Jaguars Defensive Stats from the Week 12 win vs. the Texans

The Jaguars’ defense had a bounce-back game after giving up 30 points (and a kick return touchdown) in their Week 3 matchup. The Texans running backs combined for 11 carries for 32 yards (2.9 yards per carry). However, they gave up 59 yards on seven carries from C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell.

The story of the game, however, was the constant pressure. Josh Allen (12) and Travon Walker (6) both had season-highs of pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Combined with strong internal pressure from Foley Fatukasi and Adam Gotsis, the defense line was able to perform how they were expected in Week 3.

Field Position vs. Houston in Week 12

Largely due to a lack of turnovers from both teams, the Jaguars and Texans were well behind the league average in starting field position. While Parker Washington and D’Ernest Johnson have been steady hands in kick and punt returns the past two weeks, Jamal Agnew’s return is heavily anticipated for the late-season stretch.

The Jaguars improve to 8-3, including a two-game lead in the AFC South. While micro aspects of the Jaguars game can be improved, this team has been impressive in their wins and now enters an important stretch against three AFC North teams.

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