NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars Should Embrace the Spoiler Role In Week 17

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By @MWCompton

Blake Bortles Jaguars

Rick Dole-USA Today Sports

A victory for the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) over the Houston Texans (8-7) in the season finale on Sunday would signal progress for head coach Gus Bradley’s young squad and go a long way in sustaining momentum into the offseason. With a win on the road to put a bow on the rebuilding year, the Jaguars would conclude their subpar campaign winners in three of their last five games, matching their win total (4) from a year ago.

If nothing else, succeeding in the spoiler’s role against a team in playoff contention would be a sign that the Jaguars still believe in themselves and a promising future. Judging by the enthusiasm the Jaguars have shown on the field in recent weeks, they believe in Bradley’s mission and continue to flash promise. On offense, they have cut down on self-inflicted wounds and are doing a better job of protecting the ball. The defense, despite a rash of injuries, remains stingy and continues to deliver week after week.

Defeating the Texans on the road, however, is a tall order. Houston needs to finish strong with a possible postseason berth on the line and is likely to prevail, leaving their fate in the hands of other teams at week’s end. The Jaguars are more than capable of springing the upset, but they will need a far more consistent performance from the one they delivered at home against their AFC South rival in Week 14.

The Jaguars outplayed the Texans in the first half at EverBank Field three weeks ago before falling 27-13 after a sloppy second half. The Jaguars should once again prepare for a heavy dose of running back Arian Foster. On 24 carries in their last meeting, Foster rambled for 127 yards, including a 51-yard run that set up an Alfred Blue touchdown.

On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars can expect Texans defensive end J.J. Watt to make his final pitch for the NFL’s MVP trophy. Watt sacked Jaguars signal-caller Blake Bortles three times, recorded five quarterback hits and was a disruptive force in the last meeting. A game-changer, Watt will once again be on the hunt lining up against a porous Jaguars O-line.

Only one team from Sunday’s matchup has an opportunity to play beyond Week 17. While not a meaningful December game in the traditional sense for the young Jaguars, there is value in concluding an up-and-down season on a winning note.

Michael Compton is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter at @MWCompton and connect with him on Google.

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