Game Preview
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
monday, december 1, 2008 - 8:30 pm
*Texans debut on Monday night against Jaguars*
JACKSONVILLE (4-7) AT HOUSTON (4-7), MONDAY 8:30 pm EST
HOUSTON (Ticker) -- What was expected to be a pivotal AFC South matchup in prime time has been relegated to an afterthought.
The Houston Texans will make their first appearance on Monday Night Football when they host the disappointing Jacksonville Jaguars.
Both teams were expected to contend for playoff spots in the rugged AFC South but instead find themselves tied for the division cellar at 4-7.
Houston has not recovered since dropping its opening four games, including a 30-27 overtime loss at Jacksonville on September 28.
Although the Texans have been a nemesis for the Jaguars, winning seven of 13 meetings since they entered the league in 2002, they have major injury concerns heading into Monday's matchup.
Rookie running back Steve Slaton is iffy with a severe chest bruise, backup Ahman Green could be lost for the season with a knee injury and starting quarterback Matt Schaub will miss his fourth straight game.
Backup Sage Rosenfels overcame two second-half interceptions to lead Houston to a 16-6 victory at Cleveland last weekend, the team's first road win since November 4, 2007.
"It's a feeling we haven't had in a while," Rosenfels said. "We're going to keep fighting for (coach Gary Kubiak)."
Several Jaguars may be fighting to save their jobs after coach Jack Del Rio promised changes following a humbling 30-12 loss that dropped Jacksonville to 1-5 at home this season.
It has been a stunning reversal from last season, when the Jaguars finished 11-5 and won a playoff game in Pittsburgh.
A pair of fumbles led to two quick touchdowns and dropped Jacksonville into a 14-0 hole against the Vikings less than two minutes into the contest.
"That was the worst start I had been around in my 11 years as a professional athlete," Jaguars running back Fred Taylor added. "In the NFL, things always seem to happen, but that is the worst I have been around."
Jacksonville managed to get within 17-10, but Josh Scobee missed a pair of second-quarter field goals before the team imploded in the second half, turning the ball over on three of five possessions.
