Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has been pleased with how the team responded in practice this week following a 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans.
That mentality must carry over from Thursday’s off-day into Sunday’s showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium this weekend.
“Our guys have attacked this week the right way. They’ve attacked with the right mindset,” Ryans said Wednesday. “Just being out on the practice field today. Guys are dialed in and locked in on what we’re doing. They’re flying around. Energy is up, so I’m happy to see just the way that we came out to practice today. It’s a great indicator of us having a really great week.”
The Texans, losers in four of the last five contests, can’t secure a division title this weekend with a victory over Jacksonville, but they can ruin the rest of the season for Jaguars’ fans. Jacksonville would be eliminated from the AFC South division title with a win.
The Jaguars would also be bounced from all playoff conversations with wins from both the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos over the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns.
A quarterback switch could be in motion for Jacksonville (2-9), depending on the upcoming week of practice. Trevor Lawrence returned to drills for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 9 and is expected to be a game-time decision.
If Lawrence isn’t cleared by the medical staff to return, Jacksonville will turn back to Mac Jones for a third consecutive game.
“We’re excited to go against whoever lines up at quarterback for them. This week really isn’t about the Jags. It’s all about the Texans, so whoever goes out there really has no bearing on what we’re doing. We’re just trying to go out and execute and play our brand of football. Play the best that we can play and that’s it.”
Here are some of the highlights from Ryans’ Wednesday press conference.