Texans-Jags grudge match countdown: implications, standings, and statement performances
DIVISION ON THE LINE
21 November 2023
After weeks of looking ahead to the Texans' second matchup with the Jaguars, the exact scenario Houston fans were hoping for has come to fruition.
If the Texans can beat the Jags at NRG this Sunday, they will vault to the top of the division, and be in control of their own destiny as they head toward the playoffs.
What a wild season it has been. So who has the advantage in this game? Vegas has the Jaguars as 1.5 point favorites, even though the game is in Houston.
The Jags are coming off a convincing victory over the Titans, but were hammered the previous week by the 49ers. When we look at the matchups the Texans can exploit, attacking Jacksonville through the air looks like the way to go.
They are 4th overall in rushing yards against this season, so don't expect Devin Singletary to have his third straight game with over 100 rushing yards. The Jaguars defense only allows 87 yards per game on average.
They're 26th in the league when it comes to sacks, so CJ Stroud should have some time to operate in the passing game. And while yards should be fairly easy to come by in the air, Stroud will have to be careful when it comes to interceptions. Not only because he threw 3 of them against Arizona, but also because the Jags have the 4th-most interceptions in the league.
The other big factor to watch for in this game involves reputation. Stroud and the Texans have already beaten Jacksonville handily this year, winning by 20 points. If the Texans can beat them again and be in position to go from worst to first in the division, it will be clear that the Texans have the best QB in the AFC South.
And the MVP talk about CJ Stroud will gain even more momentum.
Don't miss the video above as we discuss all the angles in this division-deciding matchup between Houston and Jacksonville.
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How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
