Ten things to be aware of in Week 17
WHEN: 12:00 PM CT (weather delay).
WHERE: Houston, Texas NRG Stadium
FORECAST: Foggy, 74 degrees, 9 mph winds (indoors)
FOLLOW: @therealmarklane, @bigsargesportz, @johnhcrumpler @thetexanswire
LISTEN TO: Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] and 100.3 The Bull [KLOL]
WATCH: CBS (Andrew Catalon & James Lofton)
RED — Miami at New England
GREEN — Denver at Kansas City
BLUE — Indianapolis at NY Giants
YELLOW — Jacksonville at Houston
10. For average depth of target against, Houston and Jacksonville rank second and third respectively
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK
The average depth of the target for opponents against the Jaguars and Texans defenses is 8.0, which is tied with the 10th highest in the league. Davis Mills and Trevor Lawrence should have their opportunities to take deep shots against the defenses, and who cashes in — or makes a mistake — could be a deciding factor.
9. Trevor Lawrence’s passer rating
Bob Self/Florida Times-Union-USA Today NETWORK
Lawrence is the ninth-best passer with 96.0. The Jaguars are 6-2 when Lawrence exceeds this threshold, compared to 1-6 when Lawrence falls below 96.0.
8. Jacksonville ranks for yards per carried surrendered
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Jaguars are tied for eighth-lowest in league rushing yards with 4.2 yards per run. This is supported by the fact that they allow 114.7 yards of rushing per game, which is the 14th-fewest NFL. Houston is out of the game, so it may be difficult to establish the run against them.
7. Jacksonville ranks in pressures
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio-USA TODAY NETWORK
Through 15 games, the Jaguars had 139 pressures. This ranks them as the seventh best in the NFL. The numbers don’t bear out in terms of sacks as Jacksonville has just 29 on the year, the fifth-fewest overall. But, the pass rush can be a challenge for opposing quarterbacks.
6. Lawrence’s fourth quarter ranking
(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images).
Lawrence’s three fourth-quarter comebacks are tied for sixth most in the NFL. The Texans need to be prepared for a 60 minute battle that could go down to the final possession.
5. Houston’s rank in yards per carry surrendered
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Texans are tied for fifth with the NFL at 4.9 yards per carries. Their vulnerability on the ground is still there. Houston’s surrender of 168.6 rushing yard per game is also a key factor. Houston can’t let Jacksonville have a diverse attack.
4. Houston’s ranking for red zone conversions
Christopher Hanewinckel USA TODAY Sport
Red zone conversion rates for the Texans are 46.5%. This is tied with the New York Jets, which is the fourth worst in the NFL. The Texans’ red zone conversion rate has been at or near 50% for the last three weeks. Houston should be able defeat the Jaguars if they can reach 66.7%.
3. Houston’s ranking for tackles to loss
(Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images).
The Texans have accumulated 84 tackles to loss, which is the third most in the NFL. Houston will have to manage the line of scrum if they want to keep Travis Etienne from running back and to pursue Trevor Lawrence.
2. Trevor Lawrence’s time in pocket
(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images).
The real number is 2.2. One way to look at this is to say the Jaguars’ offensive line isn’t adequately blocking for Lawrence. Lawrence is moving the ball fast. Nevertheless the Texans’ pass rush will be challenged to get home on Lawrence.
1. Houston’s ranking for time possession per drive
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images).
At 2:30, the Texans and the Minnesota Vikings are tied for the lowest possession time per drive. The Vikings hold the record for the fastest score, while the Texans are tied due to their tendency for three-and outs. Houston will need to have long drives in order to keep Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars off their feet.