In this week in “Talking Teal”, John Shirey, William Frost, Paul Martin, Sam Vancini, and I discuss our final notes on last week’s game against the Vikings, how the Jaguars can possibly win, how the Texans will beat us, guess the game score and make one bold prediction.
Talking Teal: Week 15
Last Notes on the Minnesota Game
John: The defense played pretty well again this week, despite a few chunk plays. It was a classic example of “bend but don’t break” as the Jaguars held the Vikings to just four field goals in the first three quarters. Ultimately, in the fourth quarter, the better team took control of the game, however. The offense didn’t turn the ball over, but couldn’t gather any momentum largely due to drive-killing sacks and penalties.
William: Sounds all too familiar, but we would’ve picked up a “W” on Sunday if we could move the ball on offense. On the most part, the defense played incredibly well once again; which leads me to believe that if we can be more clinical on offense then we’ll have little trouble getting past the Houston Texans.
Ben: Same story, different week. We had good defense, but our offence could not do anything. Our pass rush was lacking which was surprising and concerning given how poor the Vikings offensive line is. Minnesota’s defensive line dominated the Jag’s O-line which was expected but still frustrating.
Paul: With a decent offense, there would have been a different outcome against Minnesota. The defense isn’t perfect and that is evidenced by the fact that the secondary was shredded on a few plays. However, the defense continues to do enough to keep the Jaguars in the game. Special teams was also lackluster on Sunday.
Sam: Sounds like a broken record, but defense played their tails off; offense couldn’t really keep up. I’d also like to point out that Jason Myers again showed (despite missing a field goal) that he has made a drastic improvement from last year and is one of the few bright spots of this season.
How does Jacksonville Beat the Texans
John: The Jags actually played pretty well against the Texans in their first meeting in spite of a couple turnovers by Blake Bortles, including the now infamous “foot fumble” that epitomizes the Jaguars 2016 season. If the offense can play a second turnover free game in a row, they stand a chance.
William: We have to take care of the ball, period. There are too many talented players on the Texans defensive front for us not to take better care of the football. Especially in the run game, where I expect players like Jadeveon Clowney to feast on whichever tackle he lines up against.
Ben: The offense can’t turn the ball over. Bortles has thrown a pick six the last three times that he has faced the Texans. The defense must find a way to create multiple turnovers. Just one won’t be good enough to carry the offense to the finish line, unfortunately.
Paul: Don’t wait until the end of the game to try and stage a late comeback. When the Jaguars lost to the Texans earlier this season, they lead in time of possession and total yards. However, there were two turnovers committed by the Jaguars and none by the Texans. Flip that and maybe there’s a win.
Sam: Can’t let the Texans build a lead on us. In the Gus Bradley era, the Jags haven’t had much success on last minute drives or comebacks. Jacksonville needs to score early and hope that lead can hold for the rest of the game.
How the Texans will Beat the Jaguars
John: It goes back to turnovers here, as well. If the Texans can get after the ball like they did in the first meeting, it will be hard for them to not win. Brock Osweiler threw for less than 100 yards and the Texans still came away with the victory.
William: If the Texans can produce turnovers against us then we’re going to be powerless to stop our record from sinking to 2-12. Furthermore, if they can keep the ball out of Osweiler’s hands and establish a run game against the Jaguars’ front seven, then we will have less opportunity to establish any offensive authority.
Ben: Just show up. Simple as that. Just show up, and the Texans will win.
Paul: The Texans are likely to beat us if they can control the game early. Whether that’s intercepting Bortles or just stalling the offense, the Texans will win. Jalen Ramsey will probably do a decent job of neutralizing DeAndre Hopkins. Lamar Miller was a problem last time so if he can’t be stopped, the Texans have a good shot.
Sam: In the same way as previously stated, the Texans can win this game if they control the game early. The Jaguars are not very good at making comebacks, so if the Texans can score and force a couple of turnovers, then the Jaguars will be in deep trouble.
Score Predictions
John: Houston 20, Jacksonville 14
William: Jacksonville 24, Houston 17
Ben: Houston 28, Jacksonville 13
Paul: Jacksonville 24, Houston 21
Sam: Jacksonville 23, Houston 20
One Bold Prediction
John: I think this could be a big game for T.J. Yeldon. The Texans run defense has been spotty at times this year, and Yeldon looks like the lead back in an otherwise depleted backfield for the Jags. I say that he breaks his career high of 115 yards on the ground this week.
William: Bortles gets a 90+ passer rating and is the leading rusher on the team, accounting for all three Jaguars scores both through the air and on the ground.
Ben: Clowney will officially become a star after collecting three sacks in this game.
Paul: Bortles throws two interceptions, but the Jaguars still win. This will be partly because Jalen Ramsey will get the first pick of his career, and Jason Myers kicks a last minute field goal to win it.
Sam: Allen Robinson has a huge game. I think he comes into this game fired up about all the hype surrounding Marqise Lee and takes off in a statement game to remind everyone of his ability. He had his best game of the season earlier in the year against the Texans, and I think he repeats that Sunday.
Be Sure to Follow Us
Thanks for reading and be sure to check out each author’s LWOS page to read more of their previous work and if you’re on Twitter give them a follow.
John: LWOS page: https://lastwordonprofootball.com/author/john-shirey/
William: LWOS page: https://lastwordonprofootball.com/author/willfrost/
Twitter: @willfrost_
Ben: LWOS page: https://lastwordonprofootball.com/author/benjaminthompson/
Twitter: @JagsBenLWOS
Paul: LWOS page: https://lastwordonprofootball.com/author/paulmartin/
Twitter: @ p_mar93
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