| Texans running back Arian Foster is tackled after a short gain by Jaguars outside linebacker Russell Allen during the first half Sunday. Foster became the Texans' all-time leading rusher after his 110-yard performance. (AP) |
The Jaguars had a lot to build on after almost knocking off the Minnesota Vikings in a 26-23 season-opening loss in overtime last week. They leave this week’s home opener against the Texans with nothing but questions after a dominating 27-7 win for Houston at EverBank Field in Jacksonville on Sunday.
The Texans (2-0 overall, 1-0 AFC South) had their way, especially on the ground. It didn’t matter who carried the ball. Starting RB Arian Foster, along with backups Ben Tate and Justin Forsett, had no problem finding space against the Jaguars. Quarterback Matt Schaub utilized play-action fakes to help him to an efficient afternoon in which he completed 26 of 35 passes (74.3 percent) for 195 yards.
Perhaps most telling was the fact that the Texans held the ball for more than 43 minutes. The Jaguars (0-2 overall, 0-1 AFC South) failed to get any consistency on offense. A 32-yard pass from QB Blaine Gabbert to WR Laurent Robinson was one of the few signs of life for the Jags on offense. Gabbert finished the game completing just 7 of 19 passes (36.8 percent) for 53 yards, and one 5-yard touchdown pass to RB Maurice Jones-Drew.
When the game turned: After the Jaguars cut the Texans lead to 17-7, Houston responded with an impressive 17-play, 80-yard drive that took more than nine minutes off the clock in the third quarter. It not only extended the lead to 24-7, but it also wore out the Jaguars defense. Any fleeting hopes the Jags had of a comeback were killed by that drive.
Highlight moments: Tate appeared to have the Texans first touchdown on an impressive 26-yard run down the right sideline. Further review showed that he stepped out just shy of the goal line. Foster finished the job two plays later with a short touchdown plunge. The Jaguars lone score came on a good play from Jones-Drew. He faked as if he were blocking to the right while Gabbert rolled left. He got up and made a nice grab on a cross-field throw.
Top-shelf performances: RB Foster -- 28 carries, 110 yards, TD; RB Tate -- 12 carries, 74 yards, 2 TDs; DE J.J. Watt -- 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks; LB Russell Allen -- 13 tackles
What they said about the Texans wearing out the Jaguars with the run game:
- Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey -- “You can't keep them out there like that. At some point, they're going to be worn out."
- Texans coach Gary Kubiak -- "[The RBs] just push each other and feed off of each other."
Number you should know: The Jaguars set a new franchise mark, but it’s not one to be proud of. Their 117 yards of total offense was the lowest in team history.
Foster sets record: Foster became the Texans' all-time leading rusher after his strong performance Sunday. His 110 yards put him at 3,286 for his career, surpassing former Texans RB Domanick Davis’ total of 3,195 from 2003-05.
Injury update: Gabbert left the game in the fourth quarter with a leg injury, but it did not appear to be serious. Backup QB Chad Henne took over for him after the injury.
Going forward: Jaguars: After an 0-2 start, the Jaguars desperately need to get in the win column next week when they travel to play a division game against the Indianapolis Colts. An 0-3 start wouldn’t end any chance the Jaguars have this season, but it’s not a hole they want to have to dig out of. Texans: Houston is off to a nice 2-0 start, but the competition hasn’t been too stiff with the wins coming over the Miami Dolphins and the Jaguars. They will get a better test next week when they travel to face the Denver Broncos.
For more news and analysis of the Jaguars, follow Daniel Lewis @CBSJags