Jaguars vs. Texans: Week 1 sack analysis

This is usually the weekly column where we talk about the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line, running backs, and quarterbacks who were responsible for the sacks in last week’s games. This will be our third year doing this column and we’ve never had a day like today.

The Jaguars didn’t allow a single sack in their last game.

Let that sink in, folks.

The Jaguars offensive line plowed ahead for 155 yards on 39 run plays.

They helped rookie running back Leonard Fournette to a 100-yard, one-touchdown performance in his first career NFL game.

They only allowed Blake Bortles to get hit twice in 21 pass plays.

And they gave Bortles enough time to not commit any turnovers.

So, instead of breaking down sacks, let’s look at the few times the Texans even came close to sacking him but didn’t.

Hit #1: 3rd and 2 at JAX 33, 13:48 left in 1Q

(Shotgun) Blake Bortles pass short left to Allen Robinson for 17 yards

Jermey Parnell gets a piece of J.J. Watt, but the All-Pro defensive end still gets around the edge to hit Blake Bortles as he completes a first down pass to Allen Robinson along the left sideline. Sorry, J.J.

Hit #2: 3rd and Goal at HOU 7, 15:00 left in 2Q

(Shotgun) Blake Bortles pass incomplete short right to Keelan Cole

Jadeveon Clowney comes up the middle against rookie left tackle Cam Robinson and flushes Blake Bortles out of the pocket. It’s Robinson’s only real miscue of the day. Bortles makes a wise decision to throw it to where only Keelan Cole can get it or it goes out of bounds.

Hit #3: 1st and 10 at HOU 43, 6:05 left in 2Q

Blake Bortles pass short right to Arrelious Benn to HST 31 for 12 yards - PENALTY on D.J. Reader, Roughing the Passer

This one shouldn’t even really count but if we’re talking about every time Blake Bortles got hit, then we’re talking about every time Blake Bortles got hit. D.J. Reader gets a hit on after the pass to Arrelious Benn where he had a first down anyway.

Hit #4: 2nd and 5 at HOU 21, 11:40 left in 4Q

(Shotgun) Blake Bortles pass incomplete deep left to Marqise Lee

No. 98 D.J. Reader does a good job getting No. 60 A.J. Cann out of the way for No. 51 Dylan Cole to make a bee line for Blake Bortles. It’s Bortles’ only real duck of the game and it comes after a deflection at the point of release. Lucky the Texans didn’t have a defender in the right place at the right time.

Summary

And that’s it — four times where the Texans got a lick on Bortles and only three of them were legal. Zero sacks too.

Up next: Tennessee Titans!