Jaguars stave off Texans, maintain hold on AFC South

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th November, 16:27 2023

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) scrambles from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. credits: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Allen came up with 1.5 sacks to headline a strong defensive stand late in the fourth quarter, helping the Jacksonville Jaguars edge the host Houston Texans 24-21 on Sunday afternoon.

Jacksonville (8-3) led 24-14 after Brandon McManus made good on a 53-yard field goal with 11:20 remaining in the game.

But the Texans (6-5) rallied, pulling within three when C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins for a 17-yard touchdown with 5:15 left.

After forcing a punt, Houston took over at its own 11-yard line. Allen dropped Stroud for a loss of 15 yards on the fifth play of the drive, but three plays later, the Texans found themselves at the Jaguars' 37.

That's when Allen teamed up with Travon Walker for another sack, this one for a loss of 9. Houston would end up getting to 39, but Matt Ammendola didn't have enough leg on a 58-yard field goal attempt with 29 seconds to go, allowing Jacksonville to escape with the win.

Trevor Lawrence completed 23 of 38 passes for 364 yards, one touchdown and one interception for the Jaguars, who remained atop the AFC South with the victory. Calvin Ridley had five catches for 89 yards and a TD.

Stroud threw for 304 yards and two TDs on 26-for-36 passing. He also rushed for a team-high 47 yards and a score. Collins finished with seven receptions for 104 yards.

Derek Stingley Jr. shifted momentum in Houston's favor when he picked off Lawrence on the opening drive of the second half.

Seven plays later, Stroud faked a handoff and rolled out to his right, scoring on the ground from 1 yard out to give the Texans their first lead at 14-13.

Ridley was on the receiving end of a 1-yard TD, then brought in the ensuing pass on a two-point conversion to make it 21-14 Jacksonville with 4:29 left in the third.

The Jaguars went into the break with a 13-7 edge.

Jacksonville jumped out to a 10-0 lead thanks to McManus' 40-yard field goal in the first quarter and Lawrence's 1-yard rushing touchdown early in the second.

Following Lawrence's score, the Texans zipped 75 yards in five plays, pulling within 10-7 when Stroud threw a 7-yard scoring strike to Tank Dell.

McManus provided the Jaguars with a six-point advantage by booting a 48-yard field goal with 2:24 remaining in the first half.

—Field Level Media