JACKSONVILLE – This was an all-day, difficult, physical grind.

Then came beauty and grit.

Brian Thomas Jr.'s long catch-and-run reception on a pretty pass from Trevor Lawrence set up the game-winning score – and the Jaguars' defense fittingly and grittily made the key late stop in a 17-10 early-season AFC South victory over the Houston Texans in front of 58,161 at EverBank Stadium Sunday afternoon.

Running back Travis Etienne's 10-yard run gave the Jaguars the lead with 1:48 remaining, a play that came one play after Lawrence found Thomas over the middle on a crossing route for a 46-yard gain.

Safety Antonio Johnson intercepted Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud at the Jaguars 4 with :20 remaining to end the ensuing series and the game.

Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen hit Stroud as he thr

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