Houston’s running game meets Jacksonville’s early-season wall

Houston arrives at Wembley with 395 rushing yards through five games and a Jacksonville defense that has allowed opponents only 319. That contrast gives Sunday’s AFC South matchup a clear point of tension as the 1-4 Texans face the 4-1 Jaguars.

The Jaguars lead the NFL at 63.8 rushing yards allowed per game and 2.9 yards per attempt, according to the team’s Tuesday analysis. Their current official statistics list 109 opponent rushing attempts. Philadelphia managed 22 yards on 18 carries last Sunday, one week after Cincinnati finished with 23 yards on 15 attempts.

NBC Sports’ Michael David Smith reported Thursday that Jacksonville is the first team since the 1970 merger not to allow an individual 40-yard rusher in its first five games. His analysis identifies Denver’s Jonah Coleman, with 39 yards, as the largest individual total against the Jaguars this season. The Jaguars’ own report makes the comparison to the 1969 Cowboys, describing a five-game stretch without a running back exceeding 40 yards.

A divisional test in London

The Texans are 1-4 after beating Tennessee, while Jacksonville has won three straight. Houston has 395 rushing yards this season and ranks 31st, NBC reported. Those totals describe the matchup’s starting point; they do not settle how Sunday’s game will unfold.

Liam Coen has emphasized the physical demands of facing Houston. In the Jaguars’ official Wednesday post, the coach described the matchup as a test of strain and fight.

Jacksonville’s success has depended on defenders getting off blocks and closing space together. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck told the team that stopping the run starts with the details practiced during the week, including how players attack blocks and position their eyes.

The Jaguars finished first in rushing defense last season at 85.6 yards allowed per game. Their early 2026 performance has lowered that average further before a familiar divisional opponent arrives.

Sources

Jaguars: how the run defense sets its standard

Jaguars: current team statistics

NBC Sports: Jacksonville’s rare run-defense start

Jaguars: Coen previews the divisional matchup