Texans Vs. Jaguars: M.A.S.H. Defense Will Have To Set Tone

by Alfie Crow on Nov 25, 2011 4:00 PM EST in Jacksonville Jaguars Game Preview

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 30: Running back Maurice Drew-Jones #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks through a hole of the Houston Texans defense as linebacker DeMeco Ryans #59 and J.J. Watt #99 at Reliant Stadium on October 30, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Houston Texans on Sunday and despite the Texans being without starting quarterback Matt Schaub, the Jaguars are 3.5 point underdogs. It's not surprise however, considering the Jaguars defense has been crushed with injuries at key positions. Cornerback Rashean Mathis was lost for the season with a knee injury and fellow cornerback Derek Cox now joins him on injured reserve. Linebacker Clint Sessions was also placed on injured reserve this week with a concussion. Defensive end Matt Roth has missed the past two days of practice with a concussion and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton looks like he'll miss his third game in a row. The defensive line is injured so much to the point that defensive tackle Leger Douzable is likely going to start at defensive end.

The doesn't spell good news for the Jaguars, considering their defense has been what's kept them from being blown out in most of their games. The Jaguars offense still struggles to put points on the board and ranks virtually dead last in nearly every offensive category (HYPERBOLE).

Here's what OddShark has to say about the game:

OddsShark Staff - The Houston Texans come off a bye week with a crucial divisional road game in Jacksonville, a match where they will entrust Matt Leinart with the offense.Houston QB Matt Schaub is out, which is keeping the point spread in check here (it opened at -3.5 for the Texans). If you are wondering how Houston typically performs after a week off, the UNDER is 6-1 past 7 seasons after their BYE week.The Jaguars limped home after a weak loss at Cleveland and they have now played 9 UNDERs in 10 games this season.

Unless the Jaguars offense puts something together, I have a hard time seeing them come away with a victory given the injuries on the offense.

Official Prediction: Texans 20, Jaguars 9

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Comments

I'm surprised it's only 3.5, considering our defensive losses

if Jags win, I’ll be most pleasantly surprised. What I’m looking for is how individual players play. How they shed blocks, cover, tackle. How they compete individually under adverse conditions. Who demonstrates he has the abilities and mental toughness to help form the core of this team moving forward. These next six games should be fun and foretelling.

Section 442, RIP
"You think you know, but you don't know."

by unhipcat on Nov 25, 2011 4:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Saying the Jags will limit Houston to only 20 points is REALLY showing them some love

The Jags have lost A LOT of good, solid, starting players on D’ and I do not see them slowing down Foster and Tate. The Jags were piss-poor trying to stop a 3rd string Running Back that I’ve never heard of (granted a good chunk of his 115 yards came on a 40+ yard run) last week against the Browns. Unless the Offense somehow UNBELIEVABLY is able to put points on the board (umm more than the 10 points they were able to muster against an average Browns Defense) AND the Jags D’ can still play at a Very High level (still possible as there are still Excellent players on the Defensive side of the ball) causing Turnovers I do Not see this ending pretty.

Texans: 30 Jaguars: 10

by Jags85 on Nov 25, 2011 4:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Jags 27 - Texans 24

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by JPQ! on Nov 25, 2011 4:56 PM EST reply actions

Umm?

Are you having a stoke over there?

by ecuajags on Nov 25, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

The most the Jags have scored this year is 20

If you want your predictions to appear feasible, you should probably lower the scores a bit.

by patbert on Nov 25, 2011 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

I dont give a rat's behind if you or anyone else thinks its "feasible"...

its a prediction on a blog, not my 2011 tax form.

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by JPQ! on Nov 25, 2011 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

If you post predictions in a blog....

……expect people to comment on them. I would be happy with your predictions. Ecstatic even. But, I think it is a lot to ask for our receivers to suddenly start running the proper routes and to catch balls that hit them in the hands.

by patbert on Nov 25, 2011 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

I expect comments.

Just pointing out that my predictions are not something I really put hours of meticulous research into. I just throw them out there for the hell of it. Also, I never predict the Jaguars will lose. As you can guess my prediction record is not very good.

I, too, will be ecstatic if this prediction comes trye!

GO JAGUARS!!!

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Nov 25, 2011 7:40 PM EST up reply actions

Also, the fact that they havent scored 20 in a game this season...

does not create some rule that says they that they will not.

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by JPQ! on Nov 25, 2011 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

Not to correct you

But the Jags have scored 20 points Once this season (vs. Bengals)

by Jags85 on Nov 25, 2011 10:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Just lose baby, time to play for draft position.

Not that I am saying lay down, but we’ve got multiple starters on Defense out for the year. I’d hate to see somebody like MJD go down for a meaningless game.

by Slvrgun on Nov 25, 2011 5:35 PM EST reply actions