The Jaguars started strong, with wide receiver Parker Washington scoring two first-half touchdowns—a seven-yard reception from Trevor Lawrence and a 73-yard punt return. Kicker Cam Little was perfect on all three field goal attempts, helping Jacksonville establish a 23-10 advantage by the third quarter. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. added a six-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 29-10 late in the third.
However, backup quarterback Davis Mills, starting in place of the injured C.J. Stroud, engineered a remarkable fourth-quarter rally. Mills threw touchdown passes to Jayden Higgins and Dalton Schultz, then capped a 14-play, 93-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown scramble with just 31 seconds left, giving Houston its first lead at 30-29. On the game’s final play, Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins returned a fumble by Lawrence 32 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win.
The Jaguars’ offense was stifled in the fourth quarter, managing only one first down and 11 total yards. Penalties and missed opportunities plagued Jacksonville, including a key illegal use of hands penalty that erased a potential game-winning field goal attempt. Lawrence finished 13 of 23 for 158 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Mills completed 27 of 45 passes for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Defensively, rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones stood out for Jacksonville with an interception and multiple key stops, while the team forced two turnovers and recorded two sacks. But the inability to pressure Mills late and costly mistakes allowed Houston to outscore Jacksonville 26-0 in the fourth quarter.
The loss drops the Jaguars to 5-4, two and a half games behind the division-leading Indianapolis Colts. Jacksonville missed a chance for its first season sweep of Houston since 2017. The Texans, now 4-5, reignited their playoff hopes with the win.
For more details, visit the Texans vs. Jaguars box score on ESPN and see highlights on the NFL official site.