OVERALL
The Texans were seven-point underdogs at TIAA Bank Field, where they beat the Jaguars by seven for their ninth consecutive victory in this AFC South series.
They did it with a terrific defense that intercepted two passes and didn’t allow a touchdown and an offense that didn’t commit a turnover and overcame mistakes to score the game-winning touchdown on Dameon Pierce’s 1-yard run.
Grade: B
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills threw a lot of short, safe passes and didn’t turn it over. He was sacked once. On the game-winning drive, he allowed receiver Nico Collins and tight end Jordan Akins to make big-time plays that produced first downs.
Mills showed a lot of resolve on that touchdown drive. He helped the offense overcome a holding call, a false start and a dropped pass on what was the most important possession of the game. He completed 4-of-6 for 47 yards.
Grade: C
Running backs
Dameon Pierce’s 20-yard run to the Jaguars’ 2 set up the game’s only touchdown, his 1-yard run that finished a 12-play, 74-yard drive. He contributed 27 yards on six carries on that series. On the 20-yard run, he broke six tackles before being pulled down. He finished with 99 yards. He also caught three passes. Rex Burkhead had a 6-yard run for a first down and a 9-yard run to go with two catches.
Grade: B-plus
Wide receivers
After Nico Collins caught two early passes, Davis Mills didn’t find him again until the game-winning drive.
Mills saw Collins with man coverage on the left side and threw it, allowing Collins to use his 6-4 height to make a spectacular, 23-yard catch on third down. He finished with four receptions for 65 yards, a 16.3 average per catch.
Brandin Cooks had only 20 yards on four catches. Phillip Dorsett had drop and a penalty.
Grade: C-plus
Tight ends
The Texans just don’t incorporate the tight ends into their passing game. Jordan Akins and Mason Schreck combined for three catches and 28 yards.
Akins had a big one, though. He turned a short pass into an 11-yard gain and did an excellent job stretching to get a crucial first down.
O.J. Howard was ignored.
Grade: C
Offensive line
Davis Mills was sacked once. He had time to throw even though he didn’t spend a lot of time looking for receivers down the field.
The running game produced 116 yards on 31 carries, a 3.7 average. The Jaguars entered the game as one of the league’s better run defenses.
It was a physical game up front, and the Texans’ linemen won that battle.
Grade: B
Defensive line
The linemen didn’t sack Trevor Lawrence.
Maliek Collins was exceptional. He was the only one to knock down Lawrence. It was the only time Lawrence was hit. Collins also was the only lineman with a tackle for loss.
After the first quarter, the run defense made significant improvement. The Texans allowed 61 yards rushing over the last three quarters after surrendering 75 in the first quarter.
The biggest play against the run was fourth-and-1 at the Texans’ 38 early in the fourth quarter when Collins helped stop James Robinson for no gain.
Grade: B
Linebackers
Garret Wallow played his best game. Wallow and Neville Hewitt had tackles for loss. Christian Kirksey made a couple of important stops against the run.
On fourth-and-1 at the Texans’ 38 early in the fourth quarter, Kirksey helped stuff James Robinson for no gain. The linebackers contributed to the early problems against the run but then got straightened out and helped contain Robinson and Travis Etienne after the first quarter.
Grade: B
Secondary
Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted his first NFL pass when he picked off Trevor Lawrence in the end zone.
Desmond King III intercepted Lawrence’s Hail Mary pass short of the end zone. He may have played his best game as a Texan.
Jalen Pitre had a team-high nine tackles, including seven unassisted. Steven Nelson also did a splendid job in coverage.
Grade: A
Special teams
Ka’imi Fairbairn continued his red-hot start, kicking field goals of 50 and 51 yards. Cam Johnston had a gross punting average of 48.8 yards and a net of 42.
He put three inside the 20 and had one touchback. Jon Weeks’ snaps were perfect, as always. Coverage was good, and they caught a break when a penalty wiped out a 39-yard kickoff return.
Grade: B-plus
Coaching
Lovie Smith got his first victory going into the bye week. His defense played a huge role with its best performance of the season. After starting with an awful performance against the run, the Texans rebounded in impressive fashion in containing the Jaguars on the ground.
Pep Hamilton’s offense continued to struggle with inconsistency, but the Texans didn’t commit a turnover.
Frank Ross’ special teams continued to excel. A job well-done by the coaching staff.
Grade: B
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and Monday and Thursday on Texans Radio. He does three Houtopia Podcasts a week for SportsRadio610. He also can be read four times a week on GallerySports.com.