NFL Week 4: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Texans and Jags fight for AFC South leverage in NFL Week 4

Texans vs. Jaguars Overview:

The AFC South is one of if not the best division in the NFL. Injuries to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts offensive line have left the AFC South wide open for a new contender to take the crown. The Houston Texans have struggled lately but have shown signs of great talent. The Jacksonville Jaguars were picked to upset the Indianapolis Colts and are coming off a thrilling last-minute win over Peyton Manning and company. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans heated rivalry gains another battleground in NFL week 4.

Houston Texans Offense:

Running back Steve Slaton may be a rookie but exploded against the Tennessee Titans impressive run defense. With over 100 yards rushing in that contest, Steve Slaton looks to be the second-coming of Clinton Portis and is excelling in the zone-blocking scheme. QB Matt Schaub and superstar WR Andre Johnson will have to step up their game after a terrible showing in week 3. TE Owen Daniels is becoming a great weapon but needs a steady QB to get him the ball. The Houston Texans offensive line appears to be gelling and LT Duane Brown is playing well.

Houston Texans Defense:

The Houston Texans defense took a beating from the Tennessee Titans run game, but it appears that things may be on the mend. Giant DT Frank Okam was a steal in the 2008 NFL Draft and will provide weight and power in the middle. DE Mario Williams is becoming a force of nature and is the best player on the Houston Texans. MLB DeMeco Ryans will benefit from Frank Okam’s presence in the middle of the line as he soaks up blockers. The Houston Texans secondary is still porous at best, but CB Jacques Reeves is improving.

Jacksonville Jaguars Offense:

Veteran RB Fred Taylor and young RB Maurice Jones-Drew each broke the 100-yard mark against the Indianapolis Colts and carried the Jacksonville Jaguars to victory. The dynamic duo will look to do so again against the Houston Texans front. QB David Garrard has been erratic with the football as of late, and injuries to his receiving corps have not helped. David Garrard is a threat to run as well and can gash an unaware defense. WR Matt Jones has been a surprise weapon and seems to be finding his place after years of mediocrity.

Jacksonville Jaguars Defense:

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost the first two games of the season because they were unable to stop the run. The Jacksonville Jaguars made adjustments and have stopped the bleeding. DT Marcus Stroud is still the anchor for the line while rookie DEs Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey are playing well against the pass. MLB Mike Peterson is staying healthy and playing up to his talent. FS Reggie Nelson is a ballhawk but is nicked up with injury. CB Drayton Florence has a heated history with Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub after knocking him out in 2007.

Houston Texans Keys to Victory:

Offensively Steve Slaton will be the key for the Houston Texans offense. With blazing speed, great hands, and the ability to run with power, Steve Slaton can do it all. The Houston Texans must get the ball to Steve Slaton early and often. For Steve Slaton to be effective, the Houston Texans offensive line must neutralize DT Marcus Stroud and MLB Mike Peterson. QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson have to find their rhythm to take advantage of an injured Reggie Nelson and to take the pressure off of Steve Slaton.

Stopping the run will also be the goal of the Houston Texans defense. The Houston Texans secondary may be sub-par but so is the Jacksonville Jaguars passing offense. DTs Frank Okam and Amobi Okoye need to have success against the weakened interior of the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line to free DeMeco Ryans to make plays. DE Mario Williams will have to bring pressure in the passing game and will also be responsible for containing the running backs and David Garrard.

Jaguars Keys to Victory:

The running game is the bread and butter of the Jacksonville Jaguars and establishing it will be the top priority. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew can both use their unique styles and talents to gash the fast but weak Houston Texans front seven. Double teaming Mario Williams on every play will be the top priority for the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line. David Garrard must be careful with the football and should manage the game. The Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping that WRs Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson will be healthy in week 4 to take pressure off of the running game.

Containing Steve Slaton or stopping him all together will be the priority of the Jacksonville Jaguars. DT Marcus Stroud should be able to get good penetration against the smaller Houston Texans offensive line and this could disrupt Steve Slaton’s antics. Taking away Steve Slaton will allow the speedy DEs of the Jacksonville Jaguars to commit to the pass rush and get their sights set on an unsteady Matt Schaub. The Jacksonville Jaguars will also look to blanket WR Andre Johnson to prevent giving up any big plays.

Texans vs. Jaguars Outlook:

The running game will be the key for both teams and each will be focusing on it. Each team enters with great running backs and struggling QBs. The Houston Texans have a great weapon in Andre Johnson but have had problems getting him the ball, and he has had a case of the drops when they do. The young defensive line of the Jacksonville Jaguars matches up well against the young offensive line of the Houston Texans.

Momentum may be the biggest factor of all. The Houston Texans are reeling from a drubbing from the hated Tennessee Titans while the Jacksonville Jaguars have their first win of the season after defeating the Indianapolis Colts. The Houston Texans have been pushed around up front in their first two games, and this glaring weakness will come into play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both of these underachieving teams will fight hard, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are better equipped to steal the victory in NFL week 4.