The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for one of their toughest challenges of the young season — a battle against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. Texans defensive Coordinator Matt Burke will look to be a disruptive force with their pass-rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Head coach Liam Coen knows his offense must be sharp, disciplined, and creative to handle the Texans’ relentless pressure.
Liam Coen praised the Houston Texans front on Wednesday, noting how quickly they explode off the line of scrimmage.
“The way that they come off the rock, the way that they want to disrupt. We have got to have another sound plan when it comes to protecting the quarterback, but also in the run game, manufacturing different ways to manipulate those guys,” Coen said on Wednesday.
“It takes all 11, but specifically the way they come off the rock and play is talented. Got a lot of respect for the way those guys play the game.”
Studying Early Tape for Answers
The Texans’ defense has shown plenty of tendencies through the first two weeks, and Coen has spent hours breaking down film to prepare. He sees both opportunities and challenges.
“We’ve got some good formations to work with things that we formationally, conceptually want to deploy. It really helps us get a good look at maybe how they’ll adjust, how they’ll play certain motions, certain concepts. What’s been helpful, what hasn’t worked. Those are all very beneficial,” Coen explained on Wednesday.
Though Houston’s sample size is small, their aggressive identity is clear. For Jacksonville, it’s about finding balance and unpredictability. Screens, draws, and quick-hitting runs could all play a role in neutralizing Houston’s edge rushers, allowing the Jaguars to stay ahead of the chains.
Finding the Edge in Close Games
While the pass rush is the headline, Coen emphasized that games often come down to just a handful of plays. Executing in the critical moments separates winning teams from frustrated ones.
“At the end of each game, it’s guys, we try not to put it in other people’s hands. So when our number is called, when the opportunity presents, we’ve got to make those plays. It’s the teams that make those plays that usually win the game,” Coen said on Wednesday.
For Coen, finishing isn’t just physical — it’s mental. The Jaguars are focused on creating those pressure situations in practice, forcing players to visualize success when the spotlight is brightest.
Despite a disappointing finish in their last outing, Coen sees optimism in his locker room.
“The thing that I do feel is there’s a general confidence from this group right now. Frustrating, disappointing, but a great learning lesson for us. We’re not going to get a call. We’re not going to put it in other people’s hands. We’ve got to go take it, and it’s on us to do that.”
The Jaguars know their road to victory depends on staying disciplined, adapting on the fly, and striking when the opportunity arises. Against a Texans team built on disruption, the margin for error will be razor-thin.
Jaguars Seek Balance Against Texans’ Aggressive Pass Rush