As for the defensive line, a team-record 10-
sack performance is the obvious highlight.
Free agent addition Calais Campbell led the
way with 4.0 sacks, a new single-game team
record, and was credited with 3.5 sacks by
halftime. Second-year defensive end Yannick
Ngakoue collected two sacks, and both forced
fumbles.
A few other Jaguars got in on the sack parade:
Lerentee McCray (1.5), Malik Jackson (1.0),
Dante Fowler Jr. (1.0), Abry Jones (0.5).
In addition, the Jaguars defense allowed the
Texans only 93 rushing yards, and the lack of
a consistent run game for Houston opened
many pass-rushing opportunities for the
Jaguars defense.
Texans left tackle Duane Brown was holding
out for a new contract, and has not played
for the Texans. After this performance, the
Jaguars might have made him a lot of money.
One game does not make a trend, but this is
definitely more of a positive start than anyone
could have imagined for the Jaguars pass rush.
2. THE JAGUARS WON THE TAKEAWAY BATTLE 4-0.
The offense protected the football – no
Bortles interceptions, no lost fumbles – and
the defense recovered three fumbles and
collected an interception. Midway through the
second quarter, Ngakoue’s first sack-fumble
was recovered by Abry Jones and set up a
Jaguars touchdown drive. Late in the second
quarter, after the second Ngakoue sack-
fumble, Dante Fowler Jr. scooped the loose
ball and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown.
Near the end of the third quarter, Fowler
sacked Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson
and forced a fumble that was recovered by
Ngakoue. Late in the fourth quarter, Tashaun
Gipson intercepted Watson to cap off the day.
In addition, the Jaguars defense had two
other takeaways nullified. A second-quarter
Malik Jackson sack-fumble was returned for a
touchdown by Telvin Smith, but after review,
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