Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars: New rushing attack key against Houston Texans

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Jacksonville Jaguars rushing attack, recently rejuvenated by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, will be the key to beating the Houston Texans in Week 10.

Forced to throw early and often, the Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled in 2016 when relying on the arm of quarterback Blake Bortles. There has been a clear regression in Bortles’ mechanics and his vision of the field, leading to costly turnovers and less success down the field.

Unfortunately, the Jags rushing attack hasn’t been up to par so far. This is of critical importance as the Jags look to take on the division rival Houston Texans in Week 10.

The Texans are allowing the second-fewest passing yards in the NFL right now. Its defense has only allowed 1524 yards over eight games. Even more impressive, its defense has limited the opposing quarterbacks to just six passing touchdowns (third in the NFL).

Based on those numbers and the possibility of missing wide receivers Allen Hurns and Bryan Walters, the Jags may have their work cut out for them if relying on the pass. Each dropback was already a gamble with Bortles under center, but the Jags could see season-low production if they rely on Bortles’ arm.

Which makes the running game even more important.

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The Jags fortunately found new legs in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs, putting up a season-high 205 rushing yards. It was the most dominant rushing attack in the Gus Bradley era, suggesting that the right pieces are in place.

The Texans are not great against the run. In fact, they’re terrible. The Texans have allowed 1006 yards through eight games (28th in the NFL). They have allowed over 100 yards rushing in six games.

This is a perfect situation for the Jaguars to prove that Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon are able to carry the load and lead the team to victory now. This is the perfect situation to prove that the offense has in fact been revamped and has balance now.

It may be too much to declare another 200 yard effort is in the works, but the past effort certainly adds to the possibility that the Jags rushing attack could dominate this game.

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