'We Knew We Were Ready!' Texans' Shaq Griffin Reacts To Win vs. Jaguars

Houston Texans cornerback Shaq Griffin helped lead the defense to an upset victory over the team that cut him.

The Houston Texans dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars 37-17 on Sunday afternoon, but the main prediction ahead of this AFC South matchup was that Houston's injury-riddled secondary would get torched by Jacksonville's threatening offense.

However, the Texans secondary allowed Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to throw for 279 yards, but held him to just one touchdown and an interception.

Griffin explained that this past week's practice was brutal because of the weather, but it prepared them for Sunday in Jacksonville.

"Everybody bought in this week after the heat we were in," Griffin said in the locker room after the game. "We knew we were ready for this game."

The Texans' first win of the 2023 season was one that many players and coaches on the team will never forget, as Houston did a ton of remodeling this offseason with hopes of ending their three-year skid at the bottom of the league. Griffin detailed the reasons for "celebration" and how it could change the Texans' future.

"It's our first win for our new coach (DeMeco Ryans)," Griffin said. "It's a special moment for him and a lot of guys, including me. This is just the beginning and I think our main message now is 'the feeling we have now in this locker room, let's continue to have this every game week-in and week-out.'"

Houston Texans cornerback Shaq Griffin helped lead the defense to an upset victory over the team that cut him.

© Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

The 28-year-old had the tough task of covering highly touted Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for a good portion of the game. He held his own as Ridley finished with three receptions for 40 yards on seven targets. Griffin also led Houston in tackles with 10.

Griffin said that "trusting" his teammates throughout the week combined with "working on the technique" helped him win the matchup.

"Playing against a phenomenal route runner like Calvin Ridley, we have to trust our feet," Griffin said. "I remember seeing something in the media that said 'if Shaq can keep the same fast feet in practice for this game, he'll be just fine,' so I'm glad I brought it."

As previously stated, Griffin mentioned that the victory meant a lot to the team, but it may have been more impactful on him than most of his teammates.

The UCF product signed with the Jaguars for a hefty three-year, $40 million contract in 2021, after three very solid seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. However, a back vertebral fracture in Week 6 sidelined him for the rest of last season, which eventually got him cut.

The Texans offseason pickup never really got the chance to showcase his abilities in Jacksonville, and Sunday's outcome may have proven that the Jaguars were too impatient.