Jacksonville vs. Houston: 8 Things to Look for in Sunday's Game

This could be a game that gets ugly.

The 3-7 Jacksonville Jaguars will try to repay the Houston Texans for a 24-14 loss earlier this year.

With all the injuries the Jaguars have encountered, it will not be an easy one for the home team.

Jacksonville, fresh off a 14-10 loss in the closing moments to the Cleveland Browns, needs something to help pick them up from what has become a failed and flawed season. Now, the division-leading Texans, 7-3 this season, come to town with a new quarterback (Matt Leinart) and their top receiver back in the lineup.

Like I said, this one will not be easy.

With defensive starters out and the offense still trying to find a rhythm, here is what to look for in the contest of AFC South rivals.

8. Getting to Know Matt Leinart

Leinart, the former USC Heisman Trophy winner and national title champion, has taken the hard road to becoming a starter in the NFL again.

He is filling in for incumbent Matt Schaub, who was placed on injured reserve by the Texans.

The Jaguars defense should make him feel right at home, apply pressure from the outside and dirty his jersey a few times to welcome him back to the NFL.

7. Get the New Starters Involved Early

Derek Cox was placed on IR this week, the second defensive back placed on the injured list in two weeks.

Safety Rashean Mathis was labeled two weeks ago.

Matt Roth and Terrance Knighton will not see action this week. Their replacements must step up, play hard and get to the quarterback.

6. Contain the Run

Ben Tate and Arian Foster have been two steady runners this year for the Texans and have to be contained.

With Knighton out and Clint Session on IR, it is paramount that the run defense step up and stop the tandem.

It could be another long day for the Jaguars if they don't.

5. Stop Kevin Walter and Andre Johnson

Walter has been a thorn in the side of the Jaguars for years. He still haunts them.

Andre Johnson makes his return to the lineup this week. Matt Leinart has to be smiling.

The Jaguars must contain these two and worry about Owen Daniels and Jacoby Jones as well.

It could be a long afternoon for the secondary.

4. Give the Ball to MJD

I know I say this every week, but it's true.

Maurice Jones-Drew is the team's only real chance of winning this game.

Get him the ball and play better with the run.

We still need to see MJD get into the end zone more and catch more passes out of the backfield.

3. Control the Ball and the Clock

Long sustained drives. Running plays. Move the chains.

Everything geared toward a low scoring ballgame.

The Texans can score in bunches.

Controlling the clock eliminates that.

2. Find the Tight End Again

Blaine Gabbert looked like he turned a corner last week and hit Marcedes Lewis for seven catches.

He needs to do more of that this week.

Lewis can be the best friend Gabbert can have on this team.

1. Score Early and Often

The Jaguars score just under 13 points per contest.

Make this a breakout game.

Score early, control the tempo and take the Texans out of the contest. The crowd will get into the game and provide the momentum needed.