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?
Dillon Appleman: My initial thoughts were that he’s an immediate floor raiser for the offense. It’s no secret that Jacksonville receivers have had trouble with drops this season and Meyers just doesn’t drop balls. His reliability on the intermediate, middle of the field stuff is only going to be a breath of fresh air, and his presence might even unclog some of the windows for Brian Thomas Jr., who is still trying to overcome a tough start to his sophomore season.
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?
Dillon: Greg Newsome Jr. vs. Nico Collins. Collins has killed the Jacksonville secondary the last couple of years as he has gone for over 100 yards in four straight matchups. For perspective, Collins has just six 100-yard games against every other team combined in his career. His primary matchup on Sunday will likely be newly acquired cornerback Greg Newsome Jr., who seems to be finally settling into the defense. If Newsome can keep Collins from going off, it could go a long way in the Jaguars sweeping the Texans for the first time since 2017.
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: Liam Coen vs DeMeco Ryans. Coen was lowkey on a heater last week, as Cam Little’s 68-yard field goal was the first of six consecutive scoring drives by the Jaguars. I’m eager to see what Coen’s game plan looks like this week without both Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) and Travis Hunter (knee), although with Meyers.
Question 3: Who will be the biggest X-factor?
Dillon: Trevor Lawrence. With CJ Stroud out on Sunday, the Texans will lean on their defense to try and create short fields for their offense. That puts a lot of pressure on Trevor to mitigate mistakes against a D that will be looking to put him in conflict all day. The Jags’ QB1 will have to be decisive and accurate if the team’s going to complete the sweep of Houston.
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.
Dillon: Jaguars 20, Texans 15
Travis: Jaguars 16, Texans 17
Gus: Jaguars 20, Texans 22
What are your Week 10 predictions, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!