Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans: Week 2 sack analysis

The Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line wasn’t good last Sunday! At all!

On 33 pass attempts (and several more pass plays turned run) Gardner Minshew was hit seven times, sacked four times, and fumbled three times.

Not good, Bob.

Let’s dive into each and see who was at fault!

Sack #1: 2nd & 9 at JAX 38, 13:19 left in 1Q

(Shotgun) G. Minshew sacked at JAX 30 for -8 yards (Z. Cunningham)

This is so painful to watch. Look at Andrew Norwell and Brandon Linder — Linder is blocking the defensive tackle and Norwell seems to think he should be double-teaming with him. Will Richardson at left tackle is occupied himself, allowing Zach Cunningham an easy sack. I think this is all on Norwell.

Fault: Andrew Norwell

Sack #2: 1st & 10 at JAX 42, 0:32 left in 1Q

G. Minshew sacked at JAX 42 for 0 yards (C. Omenihu). FUMBLES (C. Omenihu) [C. Omenihu], recovered by JAX-B. Linder at JAX 33. B.Linder to JAX 33 for no gain (A. Blackson).

I’m showing the sideline view because I believe this is a case of Gardner Minshew holding the ball too long. There’s a good mix of stunts and blitzes by the Texans here, but he has got to get it to DJ Chark over the middle or the fullback out in the flat.

Fault: Gardner Minshew

Sack #3: 1st & 10 at HOU 28, 5:26 left in 2Q

(Shotgun) G. Minshew sacked at HST 37 for -9 yards (W. Mercilus). FUMBLES (W. Mercilus) [W. Mercilus], recovered by JAX-A. Cann at HST 37. A. Cann to HST 37 for no gain (D. Reader).

While I do believe that Gardner Minshew should have gotten rid of the ball a bit sooner, just look at how bullied Andrew Norwell gets. Minshew can’t even step up into the pocket because Norwell is already there.

Fault: Andrew Norwell and Gardner Minshew

Sack #4: 1st & 20 at JAX 20, 13:06 left in 4Q

(Shotgun) G. Minshew sacked at JAX 11 for -9 yards (W. Mercilus). FUMBLES (W. Mercilus), RECOVERED by HST-J. Watt at JAX 11. J. Watt to JAX 11 for no gain (W. Richardson).

This spin move by Whitney Mercilus looked absolutely disgusting in real time and it’s not better here. How does a man that large move with such speed and agility? Regardless, it’s a great play by Mercilus and Will Richardson is left holding the bag.

Fault: Will Richardson

Summary

Let’s hope they bounce back tonight because this will be another close game with the winner likely pulling it out by a field goal or less.

Up next: The Tennessee Titans!