Jaguars set to challenge their history against Texans in AFC South clash
In a highly anticipated showdown, the Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up to face the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium in Week 3 of the NFL season. With a storied history between these two AFC South rivals, the Jaguars are eager to rewrite their narrative against a team that has dominated them in recent encounters.
Recent Struggles at Home
The Texans have consistently proven to be a thorn in the Jaguars’ side, winning their last seven meetings in Jacksonville and claiming victory in 10 of the last 12 encounters overall. The last time the Jaguars tasted success at home against the Texans was back when Blake Bortles, Jalen Ramsey, and Leonard Fournette were still key figures in the franchise. The only player on the current roster to have experienced a win against the Texans at EverBank Stadium is defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot, who was a rookie during that last victory in 2017.
A New Approach Moving Forward
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past defeats. “I think they’re aware. We’ve really tried not to look back much at last year. Each year is a new year. Each week is a new week,” Coen stated. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the rivalry and the Jaguars’ struggles against the Texans but remains optimistic about the team’s mindset as they prepare for the challenge ahead. “…these guys have the right mentality the way that they’re approaching things.”
Trevor Lawrence’s Quest for Redemption
For Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, this matchup carries significant weight. Historically, he has faced challenges against the Texans, and he is determined to turn that narrative around this week. “There’s always emotion going into every game really, but especially versus the Texans, a division opponent,” Lawrence remarked. He recognizes the importance of this game, not just for personal redemption but for the team’s aspirations. “If we’re just being honest, we haven’t had a ton of success against them. So, it’s always a game that I’m wanting to get after them and a game we want to win, especially because it’s a division opponent.”
As the Jaguars aim to improve their season record to 2-1 and prevent the Texans from starting 0-3, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. The clash at EverBank Stadium promises to be a pivotal moment in the early season, with both sides eager to assert their dominance in the AFC South.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as these two teams take the field, eager to see if the Jaguars can finally break their home-game drought against their division rivals.
