Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Game Preview and Predictions
On Sunday the Indianapolis Colts travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars as both teams are still in the hunt for the AFC South title. Andrew Luck will once again be out for the 6-6 Colts but that’s not to say that backup QB Matt Hasselback hasn’t been playing at a high level. The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback is showing some old form as he’s 4-1 in his five starts replacing Luck this year. In that span he’s thrown for nearly 1200 yards and has 8 touchdowns to only four interceptions with a solid passer rating of 89.5.
Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) points against the San Diego Chargers at EverBank Field. The Chargers won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars come in seemingly hot yet only possess a 4-8 record on the year so far. One reason to believe this team is playing well aside from their record are the stats that have been produced. Allen & Allen (sounds like a law firm) are arguably two of the most productive second year players for the Jaguars as they’ve combined for 1,838 yards receiving together. Robinson is the more productive of the two as he leads the team in receptions (65), yards (1080) and touchdowns (11) while also receiving the most targets per game. Hurns, while not as consistent as Robinson, finds himself having breakout games when the team needs him the most. While his stats don’t necessarily label him as the downfield threat that’s what Hurns is and can be for the Jaguars. With Greg Toler out it’ll be interesting to see who handles him in his first game back from a concussion.
What To Watch For…
Frank Gore and the Colts Run Game
As much as Frank Gore is loved around the league it’s hard not to notice the decline in his game over the past few weeks. Of course, the Colts have never been much of a ground and pound team unless we’re going back to Edgerrin James and a few of the Addai years. Frank Gore is 32 years old (50 in running back years) and he’s currently enduring his worst season as a professional athlete. He’s only had four games in which he averaged more than four yards per carry and its been nearly eight weeks since he’s had a run of 20 or more yards. If the Colts want to make a playoff run they’re going to need a resurgence from the former 49er. No team makes it through the season without a run game…alive that is.
Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws the ball during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles
Bortles has had the luxury of Allen & Allen but that still doesn’t seem to translate into wins for him. He’s been a positive rollercoaster in that he’s shown great progress on when he plays at a high level but still dips back down occasionally when his team needs him. The defense can be to blame as well but at the end of the day wins and losses are on the QB and for him he’s going to need to find a way to win if the Jaguars want a spot in the playoffs. This week he’s playing against a depleted secondary as Greg Toler is out, I expect him to dial-up a few bombs to the Allens and take this one home.
Chuck Pagano needs to win
Some might give Pagano a pass because he’s without his star quarterback but it turns out the backup his playing better than the starter. So is it really Pagano who should be on the hot seat or is it Luck? That’s a conversation for another day, but at one time the head coaches seat was starting to get warm. With three wins in his last four games and finding the Colts tied for the AFC South title, he has an opportunity to nix some of the talking with a win against an underrated opponent. Let’s just hope he sticks to the playbook and keeps the trick plays to those who can execute them.
Prediction
I think this game truly comes down to the Jaguars who are more talented on both sides of the ball. If they can execute and get themselves together then there’s no reason why they can’t walk out with an easy win today. That’s easier said than done with this team and I fully expect the Colts to be in this one for the entirety of the game, I’ll give it to the Jags though. Jaguars win 27-24