Jaguars' Dominant Run Defense Poses Challenge for Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged as a dominant force in stopping the run during the 2026 season, which could pose serious challenges for the Houston Texans in their upcoming AFC South game.

In their first five games, Jacksonville has prevented any opposing player from rushing for 40 yards, a feat unmatched since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Opponents have managed only 210 rushing yards on 83 attempts, averaging 2.5 yards per carry, with the closest attempt being 39 yards by Denver's Jonah Coleman.

This defensive prowess extends beyond the current season, as the Jaguars have not allowed an opposing player to rush for 75 yards in 23 consecutive games. The Texans, who rank 31st in the NFL with just 395 rushing yards, will need to devise strategies to effectively challenge Jacksonville's defense. If Houston fails to establish a viable rushing threat, it risks making its offense predictable, which could hinder their performance against a strong Jaguars defense.