The Jacksonville Jaguars are playing their second straight game in London, and they’ve got a shot to do something they haven’t pulled off in 27 years: start the season 5-1. Seriously, that’s almost three decades since they last saw a start like that, way back in 1999 when they finished 14-2 before getting bounced by the Titans in the AFC Championship. This year, thanks to their division, they could even rack up enough wins to snag the No. 1 seed. But there’s one massive hurdle in the way, and his name is C.J. Stroud, or more accurately, the entire Houston Texans squad.
History Is Calling, But the Texans Are on Hold
Think about that 1999 team: 14-2, an AFC Championship appearance. That’s the kind of season the Emerald City would absolutely go wild for! The Jaguars now have an actual, real chance to kick off a similar run by hitting that 5-1 mark. It’s not just about a good start, it’s about setting themselves up for a legitimate run at the top seed in their conference, which would be huge for their season. You don’t get these opportunities every year, especially in a league as competitive as the NFL. So, what’s standing in the way of matching that historic 1999 start? You guessed it: a division rival who’s had their number.
Trevor Lawrence’s Texans Problem Is No Joke
Here’s where it gets real tough. The next game is against the Houston Texans, and Trevor Lawrence has a truly rough record against them. We’re talking 3-7, with only eight touchdown passes compared to a whopping 11 interceptions in those games. Eleven picks against a single opponent since his rookie year? That’s not just a bad streak, that’s a *major* problem. NBC Sports research even points out no other player has thrown more interceptions against one team since Lawrence entered the league. On the flip side, the Texans have been absolute beasts in division games under head coach DeMeco Ryans, racking up a 15-5 record. Their QB, C.J. Stroud, has been lights out in those same matchups, going 12-5 with 24 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. The numbers don’t lie, folks: the Texans have been dominant, and Lawrence has struggled to find a rhythm against them.
So, the Jaguars face the Texans next, and it’s not just another game. It’s about breaking a 27-year drought for a 5-1 start, and proving that Lawrence can overcome his Texans demons. Can they finally clear this hurdle and put themselves squarely in the No. 1 seed conversation? We’re all watching to see if they can make history.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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