Brian Thomas Jr. helps Jaguars get off to promising start vs. Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had trouble putting points on the scoreboard this season. They're looking to buck the trend against the Houston Texans. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is doing their part, reaching the end zone early in the game.

After failing to score in their first possession, the Jags punted. Houston muffed it, and safety Daniel Thomas recovered, giving the ball back to the offense. Jacksonville wasted no time and Trevor Lawrence found Thomas on a two-yard pass to make it 7-0.

Unfortunately, the Texans answered back with a nine-play, 70-yard drive of their own. C.J. Stroud was 3-of-3 for 49 passing yards and found wide receiver Stefon Diggs to tie the game. The Jaguars got the ball back and put together a nine-play, 52-yard drive that ended with Cam Little nailing a field goal to put the Jaguars up 10-7.

The Jaguars had five plays in their first drive but only gained 15 yards. Lawrence went 2-of-4 for 10 yards. Wide receiver Christian Kirk caught the two passes for 10 yards. Tank Bigsby had one carry for five yards.

The Jags are 0-3 and looking to for their first win of the season. Heading into the game, they were a 6.0-point favorite. Working in their favor is that running back Joe Mixon and receiver Tank Dell were ruled out for the bout, so the Houston offense won't be at full strength.

Unfortunately, Jacksonville is also without several key players for the bout. Linebacker Devin Lloyd was dealing with knee soreness during the week. Head coach Doug Pederson was good to go but was ultimately ruled out for the game. In his place, third-year pro Chad Muma will start at linebacker next to Ventrell Miller.

It's also worth noting that Miller is filling in for Foyesade Oluokun, who's dealing with plantar fasciitis and was placed on Injured Reserve heading into the game.

Tight end Evan Engram also missed the bout. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 and is still recovering. On the bright side, Pederson said that he's trending toward playing. On the other hand, The head coach was optimistic about defensive back Darnell Savage's chances of playing but was downgraded to out Saturday.

The Jaguars are looking to avoid disaster in 2024

Brian Thomas Jr. has been a bright spot in what's otherwise being a disappointing season for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After revamping their coaching staff and the roster, they were expected to challenge the Houston Texans for the AFC South crown. Unfortunately, things haven't gone the way they expected.

The Jags had the chance to beat the Miami Dolphins in the season opener but couldn't seal the deal. They then fall to the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 and are coming off a humiliating loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.

Beating the Texans wouldn't put an end to the Jaguars' struggles but it would certainly be a step in the right direction. It could be the proverbial spark they need to turn things around.

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