Maligned line to face big challenge
A year ago, the Texans’ overmatched offensive line was trounced by the Jacksonville Jaguars’ formidable bookend pass rushers Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue.
Campbell had four sacks in a season-opening victory and two more in a blowout win later in the year. He and Ngakoue combined for eight sacks against the Texans last year in sweeping the season series.
Since the start of last year, they have combined for 34½ sacks for the most of any pass-rushing tandem in the NFL during that span.
Both players have four sacks apiece this year heading into Sunday’s game against the Texans, who are struggling to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson. He has been sacked 25 times and hit on 66 other occasions.
“They’re all unique in their own way,” Texans left tackle Julién Davenport said of the Jaguars’ front seven. “They’re all different pass rushers. All attack differently. We need to study them really well, what they like to do, their go-to moves.”
The Texans are coming off a 20-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills during which they gave up seven sacks and 12 hits.
“It’s the NFL, it’s what we signed up to do,” Davenport said. “We’ve got to do a better job as an offensive line. We know what we’re capable of. Deshaun, ain’t nothing going to change him. He’s always going to be the same guy.”
Perhaps not for long if the Texans don’t keep him standing.
And the Jaguars have plenty of other capable defensive players besides Campbell and Ngakoue, including Dante Fowler, Malik Jackson and Marcell Dareus.
“A lot of lines struggle against these guys,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “Very challenging defense to go against. They play hard, they play fast.”
Griffin, Wright sit this one out
The Texans’ depth took a hit Friday when starting tight end Ryan Griffin was officially ruled out. Griffin has an illness. With Griffin out, the Texans will have to go with rookies Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas. Meanwhile, cornerback Shareece Wright is out primarily due to a groin injury suffered in practice. He also has shoulder and thumb injuries.
With Wright out, the Texans will start Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph. Undrafted rookie cornerback Andre Chachere is on the Texans’ practice squad.
Texans starting offensive guard Zach Fulton hasn’t practiced all week due to an ankle injury and is listed as questionable.
Signed to a four-year, $28 million contract, Fulton is one of the Texans’ better blockers.
Fulton would be replaced in the starting lineup by Greg Mancz, who started every game at center two seasons ago and was recently signed to a two-year, $6 million contract.
“He’s done it for us before,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “Center, guard, he’s really done everything we’ve asked him to do. Played a lot of football for us. Tough guy, very smart. Glad we have him.”
Fulton was noncommittal on whether he would play Sunday.
“Possibly,” he said when asked if he’ll play. “I’m feeling good, we’ll see what happens.”
Without Fulton, the Texans would have a different offensive line configuration for the fifth time in seven games.
Mancz said he’s prepared to step in against a challenging Jaguars front headlined by Calais Campbell.
“They’re extremely talented and deep,” Mancz said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity wherever I wind up going to have the chance to play against them.”
Watt regaining Pro Bowl form
With every thumping hit on the quarterback, Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt signals that he’s in the middle of an epic comeback.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has regained his old Pro Bowl form and is tied for the NFL lead with seven sacks. He’s tied for first in the league with Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack with four forced fumbles.
“He’s still the same J.J.” Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said. “I never doubted him.”