The Houston Texans are seeking a bounce-back win from their heartbreaking 30-28 loss to the New Orleans Saints. On Sunday, they will get to host the Jacksonville Jaguars — who, at this point, are perhaps the most injured team in the NFL.
Though the Jaguars’ depth chart is filled with inactive starters, several Texans will need to have big games to get a win over their AFC South foes. Here are four of which that are in need of a big-time performance on Sunday.
1. DE J.j. Watt
The Texans always need a big game from J.J. Watt, but he also needs one for himself. Against the Saints, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year logged nill in the tackles, sacks or quarterback hits categories; the first occurrence of said stat line for Watt in his career.
The Saints’ right tackle, Ryan Ramczyk, did an admirable job locking down Watt, as well as their right guard Larry Warford. The Jaguars offensive line, without their starting left tackle, Cam Robinson, may not be able to afford double-teams on Watt with Whitney Mercilus rushing from the opposite side.
Expect Watt to show up on the stat line on Sunday. Without Jadeveon Clowney, the Texans need to see that happen; a slow start, like last year, isn’t in the best interests for anyone involved.
2. CB lonnie johnson
Aaron Colvin is no longer a member of the Texans secondary. Though Lonnie Johnson won’t step into the slot role — his game isn’t suited for that— he’s primed to be thrown into the fire Week 2 as Houston’s outside cornerback opposite Johnathan Joseph. Such move would mean Bradley Roby shifts inside.
Inserting Johnson at outside cornerback is logical for Houston. He’s built to play in a press-man scheme as he boasts ideal size, physicality, traits, and athleticism. However, he played sparingly in the preseason, and though he had his good moments, he also had bad ones.
The Texans are hoping that their second-round pick is NFL ready. Rookie corners rarely are. Johnson will have to prove he is.
3. LG tytus howard
The Texans’ first-round pick is expected to make his long-awaited for debut on Sunday. Tytus Howard, projected initially as the left tackle, will replace Senio Kelemete at left guard.
It should be no surprise Howard makes this list, considering (a) he’s a first-round rookie and (b) the Texans offensive line is the most polarizing one in the NFL.
In his limited preseason playing time, Howard showed the tools necessary to succeed at left guard. While not the most powerful in terms of core strength, Howard is a technician with his hands and can gain that power with proper leverage points. Howard struggled at left tackle in the preseason, but may fill-in nicely at guard.
Playing alongside Laremy Tunsil, Howard is expected to be a long-term fixture for Houston’s left-side of the offensive line (unless he’s moved to right tackle). Sunday’s game will be the first for him to prove so.
4. lt Laremy Tunsil
Yes, Laremy Tunsil allowed two sacks in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. However, his game resembled the best left tackle play Houston had seen since they shipped Duane Brown off to Seattle. Not to mention, he had five days logged as a Texan before then.
Tunsil will have all eyes on him for the rest of the season. Not only did the Texans give up two first-round picks to get him, but he’s also the supposed savior for the Deshaun Watson sack issue.
Tunsil had a good first test as a Texan against the Saints pass-rush of Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. On Sunday, he’ll face Calais Campbell and rookie Josh Allen. This will be his first test of facing an AFC South foe that he figures to see for many more years; let’s see how he performs in game two.
