ARIZONA CARDINALS

Behind Enemy Lines: Jacksonville Jaguars

Nov 11, 2013, 10:17 PM | Updated: Nov 17, 2013, 3:39 pm

The Arizona Cardinals pulled out an impressive home win over the Houston Texans to put themselves one game back of second place in the NFC West.

Led by strong defensive and special teams efforts, Arizona held on for a 27-24 victory over the short-handed Texans.

Next on the schedule looms the now 1-8 Jacksonville Jaguars. The previously-winless squad got the monkey off its back by topping the Tennessee Titans 29-27 on Sunday.

With Chad Henne at the helm and former first-round pick Blaine Gabbert on the bench, the Jaguars have shown some signs of life in recent weeks and will be looking to build on the win at home when they host the Cardinals in Week 11.

Jacksonville still ranks last in rushing yards allowed, second-to-last in rushing yards and 22nd in passing yards. No player on the team has more than three touchdowns this season, including quarterbacks.

Their last two first round picks, WR Justin Blackmon and OT Luke Joeckel, are both out for the rest of the year. Blackmon was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy the second time, and Joeckel fractured his ankle shortly after the Jags traded their previous left tackle Eugene Monroe.

Simply put, the 2013 season hasn’t been kind to the Jaguars, leaving the Cardinals with a prime opportunity to grab a big road win come Sunday.

Here’s what is happening in Jacksonville ahead of the non-conference showdown.

Arizona Cardinals

Jacob Roberts #40 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons attempts to tackle Trey Benson #3 of the Florida...

Kellan Olson

New Cardinals RB Trey Benson, FSU teammate Jared Verse banter as future opponents

Cardinals running back Trey Benson was asked about having to face his collegiate teammate Jared Verse. So then he handed the phone to Verse.

15 hours ago

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson #DB64 of Texas Tech participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas...

Kellan Olson

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson manifested getting drafted ‘home’ by Arizona Cardinals

Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson felt a connection to the Arizona Cardinals in the pre-draft process and it came to fruition.

18 hours ago

Tip Reiman runs the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Wolf or Tip? Cardinals rookie TE Tip Reiman prides himself on being a mauler

Arizona Cardinals 2024 third-round pick Tip Reiman isn't one to hide from contact. In fact, he welcomes it with open arms.

20 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. runs after the catch...

Tyler Drake

Petzing: Important Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. begins NFL career ‘just like anybody else’

It's of the utmost importance Marvin Harrison Jr. is "just like anybody else" joining an NFL offense for the first time.

21 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Tip Reiman talks being drafted by Arizona Cardinals, goals for season ahead

Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman joined Wolf & Luke to talk draft night, the process leading up to the draft and what he hopes to bring to the organization.

22 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Was the Arizona Cardinals’ decision to not pick up Zaven Collins’ option a forgone conclusion?

After Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort told Burns & Gambo that the team was not picking up Zaven Collins' option, Wolf & Luke take a closer look at what it means moving forward.

2 days ago

Behind Enemy Lines: Jacksonville Jaguars