Houston Texans v. Jacksonville Jaguars: A showdown of defensive prowess
By T.A. Mock
A pair of elite defensive lines
Jaguars Starters: Yannick Ngakoue, Marcell Dareus, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell
Key Reserves: Taven Bryan, Dante Fowler, Abry Jones
The Jaguars defensive line is an absolute force. Campbell had the best year of his career last year in his first year in Florida. In 22 games, he’s had 18.5 sacks and has led the charge for a defensive line that has been one of the best in football.
Ngakoue is a very talented, confident, young pass rusher. He’s collected 4 sacks and 17 hurries this year. He’s on track to be one of the best in a few years. Dareus is one of the best run defenders in the league and Jackson, though he’s having a down year, is very disruptive.
Backing these four guys up is a pair of first rounders, Fowler and Bryan, and a solid veteran in Jones. Fowler has disappointed overall but has been a good as a situational rusher. Bryan has promise as a rookie and Jones is a stout run defender.
light. More. Three Texans that are trending down
Texans Starters: JJ Watt, DJ Reader, Angelo Blackson, Jadeveon Clowney
Key Reserves: Duke Ejiofor, Brandon Dunn
Watt has been a force after missing all but six games the past two years. He’s tied for the league lead in sacks entering this week with seven and second in tackles for loss with eight. He’s back to his usual self and has been improving every week.
Clowney has been incredibly solid this season and is on pace for several career highs. His pass rush has been good and his run defense has been incredible. Reader and Blackson are incredibly solid up front as well. Reader is one of the best nose tackles in the league and Blackson has been a pleasant surprise this season.
Ejiofor has been incredibly solid and promising coming into the game as a situation pass rusher. He has the potential to dominate a game. Dunn has also been solid giving other guys breaks along the line will giving some good run defense.
Advantage: Push
Based off of talent alone, neither group has the edge. These two units have the ability to take over any given game. Campbell and Ngakoue figure to have a field day against the Houston Texans offensive line. However, Clowney and Watt should lead a charge against a poor Jacksonville offense as well. Expect both of these units to dominant all day.