Jaguars Reset After London, Bye Week Before Colts Matchup
JACKSONVILLE — After spending two weeks overseas, the Jaguars were awarded with a bye week to settle down and recuperate. Following their open week, the Jaguars will gear up for a divisional matchup on Sunday.
The Jaguars (4-2) sit atop the AFC South standings, ahead of the Indianapolis Colts (2-5), Houston Texans (2-5) and Tennessee Titans (1-6). Now, with Jacksonville back to its weekly routine, it will face a division rival for the second straight week.
“Big week for us. I think just having the week to rest mentally, physically is good,” Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said. “It’s just a good reset to get your mind right and to take a step back.”
Jacksonville split its two contests in London, topping the Philadelphia Eagles and losing to the Texans the following week. After having the week off, the Jaguars were back at Miller Electric Center preparing for Sunday’s matchup. Despite having an off-day Tuesday, the club was eager to get back to work in preparation for the Colts.
“We had 56 guys lift here on Tuesday, that’s the most we’ve ever had on an off day,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said. “Working out on their own, not any of us who can ask them to be here. So, to me, that tells a little bit of something.”
The Jaguars will look to replicate their recent home success against Indy. Jacksonville has won every home matchup in the rivalry since September 2014, and boasts a 14-7 record in the last 21 games.
Lawrence has dominated the Colts through his six-year career, posting a 7-2 all-time record against the foe. This season, he is coming off back-to-back 300-yard performances and is averaging 246 passing yards per game. Lawrence is also on pace to throw for 34 touchdowns, which would be a new career high.
Jacksonville is 2-6 in games right after the bye week since 2018, but Sunday may usher in an easier challenge than it has had in past years. Indianapolis traded away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner on Tuesday — two of its star pieces in the trenches. Despite the NFL trade deadline sitting on Nov. 10, the Colts’ early moves bring a favorable matchup for Jacksonville.
Nelson, a nine-year veteran, earned first-team All-Pro nods in his first three season, while Buckner’s departure as a first-team All-Pro will relieve some pressure for the Jaguars’ offensive line.
“It’s two good players, you can’t deny that,” Coen said. “But knowing what that team is going to want to do, this has to all be about our improvements, us getting back on track.”
Jonathan Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing leader, has been at the forefront of trade conversations, but remains on the roster. Wideout Josh Downs is also still a Colt, despite requesting a trade Wednesday. For now, Jacksonville is gearing up for a matchup with the Colts’ offensive stars.
“You want to beat opponents that provide really strong competition as this team does, especially at this point in the season,” Coen said. “We know what kind of player he is. He’s playing at a high level. They’re doing so many different things to get the ball in his hands.”
The Jaguars will face a Colts team who has dropped the last three games, two of which by one possession. Quarterback Daniel Jones is coming off his least productive outing of the season with just 108 passing yards and an interception in the 16-10 loss to Minnesota. But, the Colts have shown glimpses this year and have proved to be a quality opponent despite their record.
“In this league, any given Sunday,” Coen said. “This is going to be a damn competitive football game on Sunday.”
Category: Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL
