Jacksonville Jaguars: Expect another rout over the Indianapolis Colts
By Larry Brake
Expect a rout in the rematch of Week 7, as the Jacksonville Jaguars should be able to name the score against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a good season due to their strong defense. The Indianapolis Colts have not had a good season because of losing Andrew Luck for the season. Since both teams are headed in different directions, this game should be another blowout win for the home team.
Jacksonville shutout the Colts 27-0 in Indianapolis. The Jaguars defense recorded 10 sacks. Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell combined for 4.5 sacks that day in Week 7. In fact, seven Jaguars got in on the sack parade.
Blake Bortles had a very good day by completing 18 of 26 passes. He threw for 330 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions. His quarterback rating of 124.7 was due to him being very efficient and effective leading the Jaguars offense.
Leonard Fournette did not play in Indianapolis but expect him to run early and often on Sunday. T.J. Yeldon rushed nine times for 122 yards and a touchdown. Chris Ivory added another rushing touchdown and had 17 carries for 47 yards. The Jaguars running attack has been slowed some in recent games but expect Fournette to run through the Colts defense.
The offensive line has been a patchwork lately due to sickness and injuries. Patrick Omameh and Jermey Parnell did not play last week in Arizona. Currently, both are listed on the Jaguars injury report as being limited participation in practice.
Telvin Smith left the Arizona game after suffering a concussion. Due to the nature of Smith’s injury, he is unable to practice or play until he passes the concussion protocol set by the NFL. If he is unable to play, Jacksonville might give Aaron Colvin more snaps.
To top and dominate Indianapolis once again, Jacksonville must run the ball straight at the Colts. The Jaguars offensive line must own the line of scrimmage. Perhaps a change, from their zone blocking scheme to more drive blocks, will spark the run game.
The dynamic duo of Campbell and Ngakoue must continue their onslaught of sacking quarterbacks as well. The Colts offensive line has allowed 47 sacks this season. Remember that the Jaguars own 10 of those 47 sacks and should get 10 more.
Most importantly, just because Indianapolis has a 3-8 record, they could win the game especially if Jacksonville looks past them towards Seattle. The special teams can not afford any breakdowns, whether it be a blocked kick or a big kick return. Focus is the biggest key here.
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Jacksonville should be able to name the score of the game, but stranger things have happened. Momentum is something that should not be squandered, by careless miscues, against a struggling opponent. Expect a well oiled machine in EverBank on Sunday, perhaps another shutout.