The Jacksonville Jaguars will face the Houston Texans in London without offensive tackle Anton Harrison, who was placed on injured reserve this week. That absence is a major adjustment for a 4-1 Jacksonville team that will have to protect Trevor Lawrence against a front led by Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
Locked On Jaguars host Tony Wiggins said Harrison’s absence creates uncertainty up front, particularly against opponents equipped to pressure the quarterback without blitzing. Wiggins pointed to Houston as the exact kind of matchup that can expose a reshuffled line, with Anderson entering Week 6 with 7.5 sacks through five games.
Lawrence has had a stellar start, completing 96 of 143 passes for 1,174 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions through five games. On Sunday at Wembley Stadium, Wiggins said, Lawrence cannot hold the ball on long-developing concepts against Houston. The Jaguars need to establish enough of a run threat to prevent the Texans from pinning their ears back, then make quick decisions a core part of the passing plan.
Locked On Texans host John Hickman framed Houston’s defensive formula similarly: Let the pass rush create disruption, then trust the secondary to capitalize on hurried throws and turnover chances. That puts Jacksonville’s protection calls, early-down efficiency and Lawrence’s pre-snap answers at the center of a divisional game that could be decided by only a few possessions.
Jacksonville closes its two-game London stay against Houston on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Jaguars not only can extend their lead in the AFC South, but they could send the Texans to a 1-5 start. Since the 1970 merger, only four teams have started a season 1-5 and made the playoffs.
Jaguars News and Notes
– Cornerback Travis Hunter is expected to remain heavily involved on defense, with Wiggins projecting selective offensive snaps as the Jaguars manage injuries in the secondary.
– Wiggins identified Jacksonville’s run defense and red zone defense as two matchup advantages. If the Jaguars limit Houston’s ground game, they can force C.J. Stroud into obvious passing situations.
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