Jags superstars Lawrence, Allen clutch in massive win at Texans

By Hays Carlyon

These are the game superstars seize.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and outside linebacker Josh Allen did just that in a dazzling 24-21 win at Houston on Sunday.

The victory carries massive weight.

The Jaguars (8-3) moved two games up on the Texans (6-5) and avoided a season sweep. The Jaguars also moved to 4-1 in AFC South play. If they win at Tennessee in the regular-season finale, they will claim a 5-1 division mark and the first tiebreaker. Every other team in the AFC South has lost at least two divisional games. That essentially gives the Jaguars a 2 ½-game lead with six games to play considering it’s hard to see the Titans beating them.

Lawrence and Allen made sure the division wouldn’t fall into Houston’s control.

The aerial attack was in pure form thanks to Lawrence. He completed 23 of 38 passes for 364 yards with a touchdown. He also ran for a score.

Lawrence was in total control. He answered Houston scores. He kept drives going, as the Jaguars were 7 of 13 on third down.

Allen made his biggest statement yet in what is turning into a career year in a contract season. The fifth-year veteran was a monster against the Texans, recording 2 ½ sacks. The yardage losses were significant on the sacks as well. Allen’s sacks pushed Houston back 31 ½ yards.

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was barely pressured in Houston’s 37-17 win at Jacksonville on Sept. 24. Allen was on him from the outset on Sunday, being credited for four total quarterback hits.

There is no debate. Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke must pay Allen top dollar this offseason to make sure the 26-year-old plays the peak of his career in teal and black. He now has a career-high 12 sacks.

We know Lawrence’s deal is forthcoming likely in late August.

These are the performances teams need from their stars to reach special heights.

The Jaguars have a stronghold on the AFC South and are absolutely in the race for home-field advantage.

They can thank the face of their offense and the face of their defense for it.

(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X @HaysCarlyon).