Welcome to Big Cat Country’s staff roundtable!
Today, we’re previewing Week 10’s matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
We also have a new Jaguar to discuss.
Question 1: What are your initial thoughts on the Jakobi Meyers trade , and what are your rest-of-season expectations for him?
Travis Holmes: I thought the acquisition of Meyers was a good fit of need, lower cost, and fit for a guy who does many of the things that the current group of Jacksonville receivers struggle with (contested catches, drops, accepting contact on routes into the middle of the field, and being a dominant blocker). While he will likely need a few weeks to immerse himself in the playbook and the offense, I expect something to the tune of 400 yards and 3+ touchdowns over the final six games of the season.
Gus Logue: I think the trade was not great value, yet a necessary move. The Jaguars’ pass-catching core is riddled with injuries and cursed with drops. There’s a decent chance of Meyers becoming the most trusted target of Trevor Lawrence’s pro career, and I expect to see an instant connection on Sunday. Meyers and Parker Washington will have to do some heavy lifting against Houston’s formidable secondary.
Question 2: What’s a matchup you’re looking forward to watching?
Travis: My matchup to watch will be a (reasonably) healthy Travon Walker versus Texans backup right tackle Blake Fisher. I’m assuming starting right tackle Tytus Howard will be unable to clear the concussion protocol by Sunday, giving Jacksonville a prime opportunity to make Davis Mills feel the heat.
Gus: Jacksonville’s defense against Nico Collins. The Pro Bowl wideout has cleared 100 receiving yards in four straight games against the Jaguars, with a touchdown in three of those games. I actually think Collins could mostly be held in check by Montaric Brown (who’s played great this season) and Greg Newsome (who played great last week), but I remain concerned about the safety room.
Question 3: Who will be the biggest X-factor?
Travis: Jacksonville starting slot receiver Parker Washington is my X-factor this week. He will spend much of the day matched up against Texans’ safety Jalen Pitre (or possibly a backup, if Pitre is unable to clear the concussion protocol). In a game where points may be at a premium, I expect Washington to score on Sunday.
Gus: I’ll pick Cole Van Lanen, with the assumption that Ezra Cleveland (knee/ankle) won’t suit up on Sunday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Blindside tackle Walker Little had his worst game of the season against Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter in Week 3 (8 pressures allowed). Whether it’s Van Lanen or a less-than-100% Cleveland, the starter at left guard needs to play well to prevent the entire left side of the line from collapsing.
Final score prediction?
Travis: Jaguars 16, Texans 17
Gus: Jaguars 20, Texans 22
What are your Week 10 predictions, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!
