Things are beginning to spiral in Jacksonville, or maybe they’re reaching a final descent.
The Jaguars have lost eight of their last nine since beating the Texans in Week 12 last season, including a 0-3 start this year punctuated by a 47-10 beatdown from the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
Another loss, especially to a division rival like Houston, may end Doug Pederson’s time as head coach and any talk of a postseason push in Duvall County entering October.
Houston benefited from Jacksonville’s late-season collapse, ultimately reaching the playoffs as AFC South champions. Expectations grew and through two games, the Texans appeared to be moving in the right direction, but a 27-point loss to the Minnesota Vikings has left a sour taste in the mouths of many.
Both teams are looking to right the ship and pick up an AFC South win.
Here are five keys to victory for the Texans.