5 Battle Red Blog Questions: Appreciating Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to face the Houston Texans in Week 6, we traded questions with Scott Barzilla of the Battle Red Blog to learn more about the opposing sides.

Question 1: The Texans spent a second-round pick to reunite Marvin Harrison Jr. to his college quarterback. Does Houston’s current record (1-4) or Harrison’s past inefficiencies (53.5% career catch rate) make you question the move? Or do you appreciate the urgency from GM Nick Caserio to compete for Super Bowls now?

No, I really question the move on many fronts. Even if we assume Harrison is the Harrison from OSU, we have to ask if you’re far from a WR. I would argue that running back, offensive line, and linebacker are more pressing needs now. I think the biggest hope is that Harrison is bad because Arizona is a terrible situation and not because he’s not as good as advertised. I appreciate the urgency but wish it had been applied in a different position.

Question 2: What is your biggest gripe with Houston’s coaches so far? Is it playing? The general system schematic? Questionable game decisions? Where do they need to improve to improve Houston’s record?

On the offensive side of the ball, it’s scheme and playcalling. Juice Scruggs was cut because he wasn’t going to make the team. He is now the No. 1 graded football center in Detroit. It’s clearly not a talent problem. It’s a scheme and problem to play. In defense, I think it’s more a player issue. There are key moments in games where players make plays that have never been done before. Kamari Lassiter was the biggest culprit there, dropping an easy INT in Week 1 that would have sealed the game. Change two or three plays and it’s a 3-2 football team now.

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Question 3: Do you have more confidence in the defense as an elite unit, or is the offense a “good enough” unit?

I think the guilt on paper is enough. They scored 25 or more points in three of five games. They just couldn’t match a good offensive week with a good defensive week until Week 5. I think the defense will be good but they have been bitten by the injury bug in their linebacking core and that hurts the middle of their defense. They will usually be great but may never go back to great.

Question 4: Who are some under-the-radar players Jaguars fans should be aware of before Sunday’s kickoff?

Jaylin Noel and Kayshon Boutte had their best games as Texans last week. It will be interesting to see how much Harrison plays after the trade. Those two could explode to the outside if the Jags choose to check on Nico Collins. The Texans have given up on the run, but look for Woody Marks to be targeted out of the backfield. On defense, Jadeveon Clowney is a familiar face but hasn’t been in Houston since Bill O’Brien ran him out of town. He has had several sacks on the season and could be ready for a big play if the Jags focus too much on Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.

Question 5: Do you expect the Texans to cover as 2.5-point underdogs, and do you have a favorite player prop for the game?

I’m having a hard time getting a feel for this game because it’s been so long since we’ve traveled to London. The Jags are already there, which gives them a distinct advantage. I like the Texans in this one but I don’t love the Texans. I’d say the Jags win a close one, 21-20, but that means a Texans cover. In terms of player props, I’d say take over Nico Collins receiving yards. He averaged over 80 yards in the games he started this season.

Thanks to Scott for taking the time to answer our questions.

Let us know your thoughts on the matchup in the comments below!