ThaShark316
#28
Jacksonville, where everyone dresses up as seats.
More picks here: http://challengegames.nfl.com/pickem/experts?module=HP11_hot_topics#game-day-morning
The Houston Texans had some impressive moments during their season-opening win, but coach Gary Kubiak still sees plenty of room for improvement.
Even from just one game, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert appears to have made progress from last season.
Houston goes for its fourth straight victory in this AFC South series while the Jaguars try to win their third consecutive home opener Sunday.
After making their first playoff appearance in 2011, the Texans (1-0) defeated visiting Miami 30-10 last Sunday. Shayne Graham kicked a 35-yard field goal, Arian Foster rushed for two touchdowns and Matt Schaub threw a 14-yard TD to Andre Johnson during a 6:55 stretch of the second quarter.
All of the scores came off turnovers, but the defending division champs managed six points and 26 rushing yards in the final 30 minutes.
"That's the mark of a good team - you've got to run it and finish the game,'' said Kubiak, whose team was second in the NFL last season with 153.0 rushing yards a contest. "We didn't do that.''
Houston also had special teams issues, with Trindon Holliday totaling 61 yards on four returns and the team giving up a 72-yard punt return for a TD.
"We did not play well on special teams - we didn't cover well, we didn't return well," Kubiak said.
The Jaguars (0-1) didn't fare well against Minnesota's running game in a 26-23 overtime road loss Sunday, giving up 123 yards and two rushing scores.
More picks here: http://challengegames.nfl.com/pickem/experts?module=HP11_hot_topics#game-day-morning
What I want to see:
Contain that damned midg...er, um, little person.
I'm talking about MJD. That little joker always does a little damage vs. our D. Finish tackles, wrap him up, and keep him contained. Worse case scenario is him getting loose on big runs and igniting the Jaguar offense.
Rattle their banged up OL, thus rattling Blaine Gabbert.
They'll be without their RT (Cam Bradfield is out) and their two guards (Eben Britton is questionable, Uche Nwaneri is probable, but is banged up) are both feeling the after effects of week 1. With the Jags injuries on their offensive line, some younger, inexperienced linemen could be starting for the Jags today. Confusing them, and getting in Gabbert's face will be something that could force turnovers, poor gains on the ground, and poor throws from the Jaguar offense.
Test out their run D.
A top 10 run D a season ago, the Jaguars surrendered 123 yards on the ground last week @ Minnesota. While not awful, it's something that we have to at least attack. A nice dose of Arian and Ben Tate should send a message. With no Daryl Smith (the Jags LB is out) for this one, their LB core is thinner than usual. Pound the rock often, but...
Take aim at their pass D early/run some more boots early
The Jaguar D allowed a rather robust 270 yards through the air on a whopping 74% completion percentage to Vikings QB Christian Ponder. Taking some shots at the Jags pass D is something that we know we'll see, but how? I say get the bootleg and waggle action going. We didn't feature it much a week ago (with good reason, run game wasn't exactly phenomenal), but I think this is a good game for it. Catch Jacksonville slipping and hit them hard with some play action.
Week 2 is upon us! Starting to get a little comfy with this season. What would make this MORE comfortable?! Going 1-0 this week! That's the weekly goal, and not a damn thing will change. No injuries, 1-0 and looking good while doing all sound epic to me. LETS MUTHA****IN' GO, TEXANS!!!!!