Story by
What we learned from Jacksonville Jaguars' epic collapse of a loss to Houston Texans
- Story by
- What we learned from Jacksonville Jaguars' epic collapse of a loss to Houston Texans
HOUSTON — Four questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars after their 36-29 loss/collapse to the Houston Texans on Sunday:
First Down
Question:How big of a collapse was this for the Jaguars ?
Answer:A gigantic collapse. The kind of a collapse that might define a season.
Advertisement
The Jaguars led 20-3, but gave up a quick touchdown.
They led 29-10, but gave up a semi-quick touchdown.
They led 29-18, but gave up a touchdown after the offense went three-and-out.
They led 29-24, but gave up a touchdown with 31 seconds left after the offense went three-and-out.
Look at the Texans ' final drive. They were never behind the chains after converting a third-and-10 with a 20-yard pass to tight end Dalton Schultz . Rushes of 5, 6 and 5 yards, a pass for 7 yards and rushes for 12 and 7 yards before the two-minute warning. They could actually stick to their plan while running the clock in the process. They had blown two of their timeouts earlier in the second half and it didn't matter.
Advertisement
Cornerback Jarrian Jones was called for pass interference with 1:19 remaining, giving Houston first down at the 2-yard line. A false start pushed the Texans back 5 yards and after a loss of 2 yards, another false start penalty. Cornerback Greg Newsome broke a pass in the end zone with 37 seconds left. Quarterback Davis Mills scrambled for a 14-yard touchdown with 31 seconds left.
Second Down
Question:What was the pecking order at receiver minus Brian Thomas Jr. (left ankle injury)?
Answer:This was one of the more interesting developments of the game because you had to look way, way, way down the depth chart for Dyami Brown .
Advertisement
MORE FROM O'HALLORAN: New North Florida basketball coach Bobby Kennen grants us all-access for debut at Florida
The Jaguars rolled out a top four of Washington, Jakobi Meyers , Tim Patrick and Austin Trammell . Brown, who was cleared late in the week to play (concussion), didn't appear to be in that rotation and frankly, he hasn't done much to earn it.
Meyers, with three days of practice and a Saturday walk-through to prepare after his trade from Las Vegas , had a long catch of 23 yards.
Washington gave the Jaguars a 10-0 lead with a terrific 7-yard touchdown and also drew two Houston pass interference calls.
Advertisement
Where does that leave Thomas when he is cleared to return? The No. 3 receiver behind Meyers/Washington after starting the season as the No. 1.
Third Down
Question:The Jaguars managed only 87 first-half yards. Was it really that bad?
Answer:It wasn't great although starting their first two possessions at the Houston 31- and 40-yard lines skewed the lack of total yards.
On the first drive, which started from the Texans' 40, the Jaguars gained 11 yards on six snaps sandwiching a penalty on Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry for making contact with long snapper Ross Matiscik on Little's first field goal attempt. The Jaguars were stuffed for no gain on Travis Etienne rushes on second- and third-and-1.
Advertisement
On their third drive, the Jaguars lost 14 yards when Lawrence was sacked by Hunter. For some reason, the Jaguars thought tight end Quintin Morris trying to block Hunter 1-on-1 made sense.
On their fourth drive, the Jaguars used a 13-yard Etienne run and two Texans penalties totaling 19 yards to move to the Houston 39. But two penalties stalled the drive and Little was good from 53 yards.
The Jaguars matched their season-high with 20 first-half points (Week 1 vss. Carolina), but still left points on the field.
Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) breaks up a pass to Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Johnny Mundt (86) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Fourth Down
Question:The Jaguars fell to 5-4. Concerned?
Answer:Yes. The losses all count as one in the standings, but how does this group respond after blowing a 19-point lead?
Advertisement
We'll see what they're made of next week against the Los Angeles Chargers .
There are roster-wide concerns. The offense couldn't finish. The defense had no answers for a back-up quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars show no finishing ability in loss to Texans
