Texans Seek Win Against Raiders, Jaguars Eye Second Win of the Season

After Thursday night’s exciting games between the AFC South’s top teams, Sunday’s matchups will feature the division’s two challenged ones.

Gary Kubiak

The Houston Texans (2-7) will host the Oakland Raiders (3-6). Coach Gary Kubiak has returned after his mini-stroke two weeks ago and will coach from the press box. Last week defensive coordinator Wade Phillips had interim coaching duties but with Kubiak’s return, he’ll take care of the challenge flag while Kubiak will have offensive play-calling duties and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison will be on the sidelines for the game, reported NFL.com.

Under Phillips’ leadership last week, the Texans continued their losing streak with their seventh straight loss. This came against the Arizona Cardinals (5-4), 27-24.

Is this the week the Texans will endure loss No. 8?

They will enter the game without running back Arian Foster and linebacker Brian Cushing who are both out for the season. Earlier this week, veteran safety Ed Reed was cut by the team; he promptly landed with the New York Jets (5-4).

Quarterback Case Keenum is again the signal caller but he’ll need to improve from last week’s game if the Texans have a chance to win. He went 22 for 43 (a season-low 51.2 pass completion), 201 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Cardinals. The Texans only scored once in the second half; Keenum had been sacked three times.

He will need greater protection from his offensive line to help with the running game. Running back Ben Tate will step up in Foster’s absence. Last week, while battling sore ribs, he had 15 carries for 56 yards. While building good chemistry with Keenum, wide receiver Andre Johnson couldn’t get going last week either and ended the day with five receptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns.

For the Raiders, they’re battling their own quarterback issues. This week starter Terrelle Pryor, who played last week with a sprained right knee ligament, had a tough Friday practice and will not play on Sunday.

Enter undrafted rookie quarterback Matt McGloin for his first league start.

Sitting in the fourth spot on the Raiders’ depth chart at training camp. McGloin’s only experience includes completing seven of 15 passes, 87 yards, in the team’s Nov. 3 49-20 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles (5-5). Look for lots of pressure on McGloin from the Texans’ defense.

The two teams last met on Oct. 9, 2011 with a rare Raiders victory, 25-20. This was an atypical Raiders win as they have only defeated the Texans twice in the seven times they have ever met. This season the Raiders have not won on the road–an AFC worst–extending their eight straight losses on the road record.

This week it will continue as the Texans get a much-needed win (-9, 41 o/u).

Jaguars vs. Cardinals

Say it ain’t so but the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8) have a win steak going. O.k., so they won their first game of the season last week with a surprising 29-27 win over division foe, the Tennessee Titans (4-6).

This week they’ll host the Cardinals who are coming off their win against the Texans. The Jaguars will enter the game confidently after scoring their greatest game of the season, capitalizing on four turnovers by the Titans.

Can they win back-to-back games for the first time in three seasons?

Maurice Jones-Drew

Well, they do sit at the bottom of the league with their 12.8 points per game average and 278.4 yards. Last week, quarterback Chad Henne threw for 180 yards with zero touchdowns and two picks. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew barely got out of the starting gates with his 21 carries for 41 yards and one touchdown.

The Cardinals have been on the rise, winning two in a row, and have played their way into the wildcard hunt for the postseason. They are averaging 23.6 points per game and rookie running back Andre Ellington is averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

Arizona will also enter the game confidently and will get the win (-8, 40 o/u).