As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to face the Houston Texans in Week 6, we exchanged questions with Scott Barzilla of Battle Red Blog to learn more about the opposing side.
Question 1: The Texans spent a second-round pick to reunite Marvin Harrison Jr. with his college quarterback. Does Houston’s current record (1-4) or Harrison’s past inefficiencies (53.5% career catch rate) make you question the move? Or do you appreciate the urgency from GM Nick Caserio to compete for Super Bowls right now?
No,
I definitely question the move on multiple fronts. Even if we assume Harrison is the Harrison from OSU, then we’d have to question whether you are a WR away. I’d argue that running back, offensive line, and linebacker are more pressing needs right now. I suppose the biggest hope is that Harrison was bad because Arizona was a horrible situation and not because he’s not as good as what was advertised. I appreciate the urgency but I wish it had been applied at another position.
Question 2: What is your biggest gripe with Houston’s coaches at the moment? Is it playcalling? The overall schematic system? Questionable in-game decisions? Where do they have to improve for Houston’s record to improve?
On the offensive side of the ball, it is scheme and playcalling. Juice Scruggs was all but cut because he wasn’t going to make the team. He is now the No. 1 graded center in football in Detroit. Clearly it’s not a talent problem. It’s a scheme and playcalling problem. On defense, I think it’s more a player issue. There have been key moments in games where players made plays that just haven’t been made. Kamari Lassiter is the biggest culprit there, dropping an easy INT in Week 1 that would have sealed the game. You change two or three plays and this is a 3-2 football team right now.
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Question 3: Do you have more confidence in the defense being an elite unit, or the offense being a “good enough” unit?
I think the offense on paper is already good enough. They’ve scored 25 or more points in three of the five games. They just haven’t been able to match a good offensive week with a good defensive week until Week 5. I think the defense will continue to be good but they’ve been bitten by the injury bug on their linebacking core and that hurts them in the middle of their defense. They will usually be good but might not ever get back to great.
Question 4: Who are some under-the-radar players that Jaguars fans should know of before Sunday’s kickoff?
Jaylin Noel and Kayshon Boutte had their best games as Texans last week. It will be interesting to see how much Harrison plays right after the trade. Those two can be explosive on the outside if the Jags choose to key on Nico Collins. The Texans have all but given up on the run, but look for Woody Marks to be targeted out of the backfield. On defense, Jadeveon Clowney is a familiar face but hasn’t been in Houston since Bill O’Brien chased him out of town. He’s had a couple of sacks on the season and could be primed for a big play if the Jags focus too much on Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.
Question 5: Do you expect the Texans to cover as 2.5-point underdogs, and do you have a favorite player prop for the game?
I have a hard time getting a feel for this game because it has been a while since we’ve traveled to London. The Jags are already there, which gives them a distinct advantage. I like the Texans in this one but don’t love the Texans. I’ll say the Jags win a close one, 21-20, but that means a Texans cover. In terms of player props I’ll say take the over on Nico Collins receiving yards. He’s averaged more than 80 yards in the games he has started this season.
Thanks to Scott for taking the time to answer our questions.
Let us know your thoughts on the matchup in the comments below!
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