Texans Vs. Jaguars 2012: Battle Red Blog Likes J.J. Watt

The Houston Texans improved to 2-0 on Sunday, with a 27-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars -- a game in which the defense set the tone, and dominated.

Needless to say, the folks over at Battle Red Blog, SB Nation's Texans blog, had some kind words regarding the game.

It's not easy for a 3-4 defensive end to jump off the screen, yet that's precisely what J.J. Watt has done the first two games of the 2012 season (and for the majority of his professional career). As good as he was in the Week One win over the Dolphins, he may have been even better yesterday in the win over the Jaguars.

Watt's knack for deflecting passes is beyond uncanny. I have never seen a player better at getting his hands up at the line of scrimmage. And to paint Watt as a one-trick pony in that regard would be grossly inaccurate. He's a machine. He rushes the passer. He stops the run. He disrupts an offense. He is, in a word, phenomenal.

It certainly seems like Watt has done his job, not only being a defensive force, but making Texans fans forget about Mario Williams -- at least for now.

For more on the Houston Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.

Arian Foster Becomes Houston Texas' All-Time Leading Rusher

Running back Adrian Foster had a solid day against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he helped lead the Houston Texans to a 27-7 win. His 110 yards not only led the team in rushing on the day, but helped him set a team record. He hit 3,286 yards during the win which gave him the most rushing yards in Texans history.

Arian Foster just became Texans all-time leading rusher with 3,299 yards.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 16, 2012

Before Foster, Domanick Davis had held the all-time rushing record for the Texans. The former fourth round pick put up 3,195 yards for the Texans during his three year career between 2003-2005 before being released and retiring from the NFL.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Also be sure to check out Battle Red Blog for updates on the Texans. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Houston Texans Monday Hangover: Grading The Win Over Jacksonville

Ball control offense & a suffocating defense win the game

Texans Vs. Jaguars Final Score: Houston's Defense Dominant In 27-7 Win

The Houston Texans improved to 2-0 on Sunday, winning with ease, 27-7, over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston's defense was dominant in the win, surrendering just nine first downs to Jacksonville in the entire contest. The Jaguars were an atrocious 0-for-9 on third down conversions.

Offensively, Houston dominated with the running game, rushing 48 times for 216 yards. Arian Foster rushed 28 times for a game-high 110 yards and added a touchdown. Ben Tate received his fair share of carries as well, running the ball 12 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns.

Matt Schaub was effective passing, completing 26-of-35 passes for 195 yards. Schaub did not throw an interception, but also did not throw a touchdown pass in the win.

Owen Daniels and Foster both had six receptions. Daniels led the team with 47 receiving yards, while Foster added 37.

Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert completed just 7-of-19 passes for 53 yards. Gabbert did throw one touchdown -- a five yard pass to Maurice Jones-Drew to open the second half.

Houston will face a big test in Week 3, as the Texans travel to Denver to take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog.

Texans Vs. Jaguars Score Update: Houston In Driver's Seat After Third Quarter

A second touchdown from Texans running back Ben Tate extended Houston's lead to 24-7 through three quarters. Tate has shined for the Texans, averaging over 5.5 yards a carry on ten carries.

Arian Foster has been the workhorse in Houston's backfield, taking 23 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown. Matt Shaub completed 26 passes for 169 yards, but more importantly, has not turned the ball over.

Jacksonville's offense has been non-existent so far Sunday with only 77 yards gained and seven points on the board. Jags back Maurice Jones-Drew caught a TD pass from Blaine Gabbert in one of the few bright spots of the day. Jones-Drew additionally has 43 yards rushing off 11 carries.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Also be sure to check out Battle Red Blog for updates on the Texans. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Texans Vs. Jaguars Score Update: Houston In Full Control At Halftime

Texans Vs. Jaguars Score Update: Houston Out To 10-0 Lead After First Quarter

A quiet offensive start for both team's was highlighted by an Arian Foster touchdown run, giving Houston a 10-0 lead after the first quarter. Foster was set up by fellow Houston rusher Ben Tate, who took the ball to the one-yard line, setting up the Foster TD. Tate leads all backs with five rushes for 41 yards.

Jacksonville is off to a slow start through the first fifteen minutes. Jags QB Blaine Gabbert has just two completions for eight yards while fantasy stud Maurice Jones-Drew has five carries for 30 yards so far Sunday

Texans kicker Shayne Graham started off the scoring with a 31-yard field goal, his only attempt today.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Also be sure to check out Battle Red Blog for updates on the Texans. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Texans vs. Jaguars 2012: Two Key Defenders Inactive For Jacksonville In Matchup With Houston

The Houston Texans rolled over the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, 30-10, and Sunday will take on division foe Jacksonville. The Jaguars will be without two starting offensive lineman and two key defenders in Sunday's matchup.

The Houston inactives, via Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle:

#Texans inactives vs #Jaguars: DeVier Posey, John Beck, Roc Carmichael, Brandon Harris, Bryan Braman, Andrew Gardner and Brandon Brooks

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) September 16, 2012

Jacksonville's inactives, via @jaguarsinsider:

#Jaguars Inactives: Derek Cox , Rashad Jennings, Daryl Smith, Eben Britton, Cameron Bradfield, George Selvie, Austen Lane

— jaguarsinsider (@jaguarsinsider) September 16, 2012

The game will be televised by CBS, with kickoff scheduled for Noon CT. Check the TV maps here to see if the game will be shown on your local affiliate.

For more coverage of the Jaguars, stay tuned to Big Cat Country and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Also be sure to check out Battle Red Blog for updates on the Texans. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Texans vs. Jaguars 2012: Game Preview, Kickoff Time, TV Schedule And More

The Texans will look to expand their AFC South lead on Sunday when they take on the Jaguars.

Texans Vs. Jaguars Injury Report: Jacksonville Banged Up

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming into their Week 2 game against the Houston Texans all banged up. There are five Jacksonville players who are listed as out, and two other are questionable. The big blow to injuries come at the offensive line for Jacksonville as starter Cameron Bradfield is out with an ankle injury, and Eben Britton is questionable and did not practice all week.

With the Jaguars offensive line depleted, they will have to shuffle people around, and by doing that they will have a difficult time stopping the stout Texans defense.

The Jaguars will also be without backup running back Rashad Jennings, and that is big since Maurice Jones-Drew held out of training camp, and has not practiced too much with the team.

For more on the Texans, be sure to visit Battle Red Blog and stay tuned to SB Nation Houston. For coverage of the Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country.

Texans Vs. Jaguars Injury Report: Houston Is Healthy Heading Into Week 2

The Houston Texans are healthy heading into their Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans had 13 players on their injury report, but 12 of those were probable with backup outside linebacker Bryan Braman being questionable with a hamstring injury.

Starting running back Arian Foster who was questionable last week with a knee injury, but did play, is listed on the injury report due to coming down with some illness that limited him on Wednesday. Foster is good to go and will be starting on Sunday.

For more on the Texans, be sure to visit Battle Red Blog and stay tuned to SB Nation Houston. For coverage of the Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Preview And Prediction

They should beat the Jaguars, but will they?

Week 2 NFL Picks: Texans Vs. Jaguars

According to NFL experts, the Texans are unanimous favorites in this Sunday's battle against the Jaguars.

Fantasy Football: Houston Texans Week Two Start Em/Sit Em

The Texans are a big favorite on Sunday, but how will their players fare in fantasy?

NFL Odds Week 2: Texans Vs. Jaguars

The Houston Texans travel to Jacksonville as 7.5-point favorites over the Jaguars after their explosive Week 1 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

The Texans opened as seven-point favorites, with the line increasing for most betting sites as the week has proceeded, according to OddsShark.com.

The Texans took advantage of several Miami turnovers to score 21 points in the final four minutes of the first half, eventually winning in decisive fashion, 30-10. Matt Schaub and Arian Foster were back to their regular ways and optimism once again abounds in Houston.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, meanwhile, lost 26-23 to the Minnesota Vikings in their first game of the season. Blaine Gabbert will pose a much tougher test than the Dolphins did, and it could be expected that many will take the OVER on the current 41.5-point over/under heading into the game.

For more on the Texans, be sure to visit Battle Red Blog and stay tuned to SB Nation Houston. For coverage of the Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country.

Texans Injury Report: LB Bryan Braman Returns To Practice

Houston Texans linebacker Bryan Braman returned to practice on Wednesday after missing time due to a hamstring injury. He was forced to sit out of the Texans' season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday that Braman could be one of the league's best special teams players and Braman takes pride in it, via Sean Bielawski of CBSSports.com:

"It's kind of like a junkyard attitude," Braman told reporters of playing special teams. "The basic standpoint about it is not too many people want to play special teams. They all want to play defense or offense. They want to be starters. So, I kind of look at it as the job that nobody else wants, but I'm going to be the best at it."

In other Texans news, Arian Foster felt ill on Wednesday had to leave practice early, but it does not appear to be a major issue.

For more on the Houston Texans as they prepare for Week 2, check out Battle Red Blog and SB Nation Houston, and for news on their opponent, Jacksonville, visit Big Cat Country. Also check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more news and analysis from around the league.

Arian Foster Leaves Houston Texans Practice With Illness

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to illness.

He missed practices last week with soreness in his leg, but didn't show signs of an injury in Houston's season opener against the Miami Dolphins. It doesn't look like there's any more to be concerned about this time, via Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle:

Texans running back Arian Foster left practice early today because he wasn't feeling well.

Coach Gary Kubiak said it was no cause for alarm and that it would not affect Foster's status for Sunday's game.

Apparently there is a bug going around the locker room. Cornerback Jonathan Joseph had it also. Kubiak indicated it wasn't a big deal.

In other Texans news, linebacker Bryan Braman returned to practice after missing time due to a hamstring injury.

For more on the Houston Texans as they prepare for Week 2, check out Battle Red Blog, and for news on their opponent, Jacksonville, visit Big Cat Country.

Houston Texans: HOF Barry Sanders Hopes For 'Big Things'

Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders had a photo shoot with Verizon Wireless at Reliant Stadium on Monday and spoke with Nick Scurfield of houstontexans.com while he was there.

Sanders discussed Arian Foster's style as a running back and credited Foster for maturing on and off the field. He also answered an Andre vs. Calvin Johnson comparison question, noting the two are similar. As for the Texans, Sanders had this to say on his hopes for the team:

"Well, I'm hoping for big things. Had a great year last year, played deep into the playoffs and had every chance of beating a great Baltimore Ravens team last year. So, I don't see any reason why this year can't be any different. They're one of those teams that's very balanced. Offensively, you know that you almost have to pick your poison. There's no reason why this year they can't do similar to what they did last year, and maybe even further."

Read more on the Texans at the Battle Red Blog and SB Nation Houston.

Texans Vs. Jaguars: Jacksonville Injuries Could Mean Big Day For Houston's Offense

The Jacksonville Jaguars ended last season as the sixth overall defense in the NFL, but that unit may be shorthanded when they face the potent offense of the Houston Texans in Week 2 on Sunday, according to Gene Frenette of Jacksonville.com.

Daryl Smith, whom fellow Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny called "our best defender," missed last week's 26-23 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a groin injury. Cornerback Derek Cox also missed the season-opener as he nurses a hamstring ailment, and both could miss Sunday's home-opener against the defending division champion Texans.

These key injuries to the Jacksonville defense could result in another explosive day for Houston's offense, which racked up 337 total yards of offense -- 266 through the air from quarterback Matt Schaub and 83 on the ground -- against the Miami Dolphins en route to a 30-10 win in Week 1.

For more on the Texans, be sure to visit Battle Red Blog and stay tuned to SB Nation Houston. For coverage of the Jaguars, check out Big Cat Country.

2012 NFL Schedule Week 2: Texans Travel To Meet Jaguars, Colts And Titans Look To Get On Track

Week 2 in the NFL gives the Houston Texans both their first road and divisional contest when they head east to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Houston is coming off a convincing 30-10 season-opening win at home over the Miami Dolphins. Running back Arian Foster rushed for 79 yards and scored two touchdowns, while receiver Andre Johnson kicked the 2012 campaign off in a big way, catching eight passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

The Jaguars, on the other hand, return home after an overtime loss in Minnesota to the Vikings, 26-23. There were positives for Jacksonville to take away from the defeat, however, as quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns and star running back Maurice Jones-Drew, after an extended offseason holdout, was the team's leading rusher with 77 yards on 19 carries.

Elsewhere in the AFC South, Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts play their home-opener against the Vikings and the Tennessee Titans look to rebound following their home loss to the New England Patriots with a road contest out west against the San Diego Chargers.

For the complete NFL schedule for Week 2, head over here.

For more on the Houston Texans as they prepare for Week 2, check out Battle Red Blog, and for news on their opponent, Jacksonville, visit Big Cat Country.

Texans Vs. Jaguars: Gary Kubiak Wants Running Game To Step Up

Despite an impressive 20-point victory over Miami on Sunday, Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak was not exactly impressed with his team's paltry 2.4 yards per carry average to open the season.

Star tailback Arian Foster managed to rack up 79 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground in the win, but still needed a whopping 26 carries to do so. The veteran coach told Nick Scurfield of HoustonTexans.com on Monday that performances like this simply won't cut it going forward, and tabbed his floundering run game as the greatest letdown of Week 1.

"The biggest thing I was disappointed in offensively was how we ran the ball, which wasn’t very good at all," Kubiak said. "Everybody knows you’ve got to run it to finish a game. We didn’t do that yesterday."

"It starts up front," he said. "We didn’t run the ball well whether we ran it right, left or up the middle."

Foster's longest rush against the Dolphins measured in at exactly 14 yards, but it's not like tailback Ben Tate fared much better with essentially one productive run to his credit. Kubiak knows that his team's offense can only continue to flow if Foster and Tate are churning out yards on the ground, so expect a heavy re-dedication to the team's zone-blocking scheme this week in practice.

Head over to Battle Red Blog for more Texans coverage, and be sure to visit Big Cat Country for more on the Jaguars. Also check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more news and analysis from around the league.

NFL Rankings: Houston Texans Surging, According To Voters

Even though Texans head coach Gary Kubiak was hardly blown away by his team's performance in Week 1, a panel of 12 AP voters still made it clear on Tuesday they believe Houston firmly belongs among the NFL's elite.

Coming in at No. 4 overall behind New England, San Francisco and Baltimore, the Texans were generously listed at No. 1 this week by none other than The Dallas Morning News' Rick Gosselin. Gosselin emphatically states that "the AFC is in trouble" due to the health of star wideout Andre Johnson, a sentiment echoed by a number of other analysts who also point out Houston's long-term potential barring injury.

One of the few skeptics in the panel at the moment looks to be Fox Sports' Jon Lynch, who still isn't completely ready to anoint the Texans after beating a lowly team like the Dolphins. "Week 1 saw the Texans do what good teams do," Lynch said after placing Houston at No. 8 on his ballot. "They beat a bad team soundly."

With Johnson and Matt Schaub carving up teams through the air and Arian Foster making opponents pay on the ground, there's no still reason to believe the Texans can't be one of the best teams in the NFL on a weekly basis this season. And while injuries will always remain a serious threat with this team, it's becoming widely apparent that Kubiak may just have the most talented roster of his coaching tenure.

Head over to Battle Red Blog for more on the Texans, and be sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more news and analysis from around the league.

NFL Power Rankings: Texans Climb After Victory

The Texans were impressive in their debut and are a staple in the top five of everyone's power rankings.

Houston Texans Forecast: Looking Ahead To Jacksonville

An early preview of the upcoming Jaguars game.