The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, hoping to get their first win. The Jaguars played much better against the Houston Texans last week but in the end, came up short. The offense could move the ball much better but there were missed opportunities. Two long passes were missed by Trevor Lawrence which would have resulted in long touchdowns.
Early third quarter Jags down 17-13, first down play-action clean pocket Trevor Lawrence misses wide open Christian Kirk for easy touchdown
Lawrence 1-for-6 on throws 20+ yds vs Texans, woof pic.twitter.com/dgA9sa5mim
— Jared Smith (@jaredleesmith) September 30, 2024
The Jaguars had the ball inside the 10-yard line early in the fourth quarter with the chance to go up by two scores. Yet, they failed to capitalize in the red zone and allowed the door to stay open for the Texans. The defense could not stop the Texans and a great opportunity slipped through the Jaguars’ hands.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts Game History
Sunday will be the 47th time the Jaguars and Colts have met. The Colts lead the series 27-19 but have lost four of the last five games to the Jaguars. The Jaguars have faired well lately against the Colts, especially at home, where they have won five straight.
Key Players for the Jaguars
The offensive line for the Jaguars had a bounce back game against the Texans and only allowed one sack. The run game found its footing as well. Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne combined for 140 rushing yards on just 18 attempts. Brian Thomas Jr. and Christian Kirk also were much more involved this game from the beginning.
The two combined for 13 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Both of them would have had bigger days if Lawrence did not miss them on wide open deep passes. There was not much other production from other pass catchers. The other receivers only combined for 22 total receiving yards.
Bigsby and Etienne are nursing injuries coming into week five so D’ernest Johnson may see a bigger role if they are limited. Brenton Strange had filled in admirably for Evan Engram but in this game he did not have much of an impact. Engram practiced this week for the first time since week two. Having him back on the field should be a huge boost for Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense. Against the Colts in 2023, Engram had 12 receptions for 90 yards.
The Jaguars defense still struggled in the loss to the Texans. Injuries are causing a big problem as the secondary was torched for 345 passing yards and Nico Collins was unstoppable. He was able to catch 12 passes on 15 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown.
The defense was able to sack CJ Stroud twice but there were many times when he had forever to sit in the pocket and dissect the defense. Josh Hines-Allen suffered a concussion so Travon Walker will need to pick up his performance even more. The interior will be important again as they were the defenders that recorded the two sacks. Roy Robertson-Harris and Jeremiah Ledbetter will need to stop the run while also getting pressure up the middle.
Devin Lloyd is still not practicing after missing last game with a knee injury. Ventrell Miller filled in well, and was active all over the field. He had 11 total tackles last week and a tackle for a loss. Chad Muma will also continue to have an increased role and he was tied for second on the team in tackles a week ago.
Darnell Savage and Jarrion Jones are limited participants in practice this week so the secondary will be depleted yet again. Safeties Andre Cisco and Antonio Johnson have to play better in coverage if the Jaguars hope to slow down the Colts offense.
Key Players for the Colts
The Colts were able to pick up their second straight win last week against the Steelers, but suffered many costly injuries. Six starters are either not practicing or limited this week leading up to the Jaguars game. The biggest on offense are Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor.
Richardson left the game in the first quarter but Joe Flacco came in and lead the offense very efficiently. Michael Pittman had his best game of the season by far with 113 receiving yards. The return of Josh Downs was also crucial as he had over 80 receiving yards. The offense was successful with Flacco because of his consistent passing and finding the open receivers. The Colts will lose some versatility if Richardson misses time but the passing game is much improved.
LIKE HE NEVER LEFT!
Joe Flacco throwing touchdowns in the year 2024 vs. the Steelers#PITvsIND | #ForTheShoe | #NFL pic.twitter.com/B3Teu7U9Lc
— BetUS Pro Football (@BetUSProFB) September 29, 2024
With Taylor out, Trey Sermon will step into the starting role. Sermon only has 24 rushing yards so far this season, but the Jaguars allow the most damage through the air. It will be a tough matchup for the depleted secondary with Michael Pittman Jr, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.
Kwitty Paye, Zaire Franklin, and Kenny more missed practice on Wednesday. That is a player from each level of the defense so that could help the chances of the Jaguars offense on Sunday. The Colts are giving up the most yards per game in the NFL.
Samuel Womack has been playing well at corner but on the other side Jaylon Jones only has a 51 coverage rating according to PFF. Laiatu Latu will have increased role if Paye misses time and he already has 10 pressures in his first four games of his career. Grover Stewart has been great against the run so far this season, so he will be another key player to stopping the Jaguars run game.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Keys to Win the Game
The Jaguars return home and need to get the crowd involved early. It’s hard to say what the mental state of the team is right now. They cannot fall behind early and need the crowd to energize the team in this rivalry game.
The defense must be able to stop the run and get pressure on Joe Flacco. He only was pressured on eight of his 29 drop backs last week against the Steelers. Flacco can be quick with decisions but has been known to force the ball into coverage. The defense has to start causing turnovers to help a struggling offense.
The Colts defense is seventh-worst against the pass giving up over 235 yards per game. Lawrence must be decisive and just get the ball in the playmakers hands. When there are big plays available he has to make the throws so that the offense can get big chunk plays. Kirk and Thomas Jr. need to continue to be targeted early and often. The possible return of Engram can provide some help in the red zone where the Jaguars have struggled.
Do the Jaguars still have the Colts number? Is this going to be the end of the road for Doug Pederson?
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.