Facing the Jaguars twice in eleven days isn't all bad. Despite the short week, the Texans are anxious for a second chance to win.
"For us right now, we need it because you can get back out there on Thursday and try and get this taste out of your mouth," J.J. Watt said. "It's a chance to go play a football game and obviously hopefully get a win and get on the right track. I'm looking forward to just getting back out on the field. That's what I like about a quick turnaround."
Implementing and adjusting the game plan is easier after facing the Jaguars less than two weeks ago. For Case Keenum, it is the first game where he can review his own game film.
"Now, instead of just having reps of seeing it on film and against the practice, a practice card defense, I've got real live reps against it and it's still pretty fresh," Keenum said. "Just trying to continue and get better and improve upon what we did last week."
The downside to a short week is the lack of rest for players and the physical toll it takes on their bodies. During normal game weeks, the team has a day off on Tuesday. This week, the team held a walk-through practice on Monday and a jog-through on Tuesday. The team also practices on Wednesday before boarding the flight to Jacksonville.
"They've been good," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "They're pretty slow. We're out there practicing less than 48 hours since we've played our last game, so that's pretty tough on guys and their bodies. I think it's about me getting them mentally prepared and making sure that physically I leave them alone and let them recover from the game. But they've got a job to do to get ready to play mentally."
Seeing an opponent again so soon, especially a division rival, also has its advantages during a short week heading into a Thursday night game.
"Positives, you obviously have a game of film that's very recent that you can watch," Watt said. "Negatives, there's not a whole lot of other film in between the games. But it's a familiar opponent and they are seeing the same film that you're seeing, and it's a quick turnaround."
