Colts vs. Jaguars: The Only Streak That Matters is the Winning One
Alright, let’s talk about “The Streak.” You know the one. The Colts haven’t won a game in Jacksonville since 2014. That’s a decade of disappointment in Duval County. It’s the kind of statistical anomaly that sportscasters drool over and fans lose sleep about. But you know who isn’t losing sleep over it? The Indianapolis Colts.
When asked about this decade-long drought, Head Coach Shane Steichen basically gave the media a polite “new phone, who dis?” “All I know is that we play Jacksonville in Jacksonville this week, and we’re excited for that opportunity,” he said. Translation: What happened in 2015 is about as relevant to this Sunday’s game as my high school prom date.
Linebacker Zaire Franklin, never one to mince words, put it even more bluntly. “I think you guys talk about the streak enough for all of us,” he quipped. “I don’t really know how relevant it is… it’s a new year, it’s a new scene.” He’s got a point. Most of the guys on this roster were probably still trying to figure out algebra when this streak started. It’s a whole new team, a new coaching staff, and a new era. This isn’t your dad’s Colts team that can’t win in Florida. This is a team tied for first place in the AFC South, looking to make a statement.
So, let’s put the spooky Jacksonville curse to bed and talk about what really matters in this monumental Week 14 showdown.
Can the Colts’ Ground Game Break Through the Jags’ Wall?
Here’s the real heavyweight matchup of the day. The Jaguars’ run defense is stingier than a scrooge, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game in the entire league (a measly 82.4). They’ve built a fortress at the line of scrimmage.
However, they haven’t faced an offense quite like Indy’s. The Colts, despite a couple of bumpy weeks, still lead the NFL in yards per carry (5.1). That’s not a typo. This offense is built to run the rock. But lately, it’s been more like pushing a boulder uphill. Against the Chiefs and Texans, they averaged just 3.8 yards per rush.
Offensive Coordinator Jim Bob Cooter acknowledged the recent struggles, saying, “It’s just been one little thing here or there.” The key for the Colts will be fixing those “little things.” If Jonathan Taylor and the O-line can get back to their dominant ways, it opens up everything for the offense. A successful run game isn’t just about gaining yards; it’s about controlling the clock, wearing down the defense, and setting up Daniel Jones for success in the passing game.
Key Matchups When the Jaguars Have Possession
Don’t let Trevor Lawrence’s mediocre passer rating fool you. Since the Jaguars traded for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, their passing attack has found a new gear. Over the last four games, their dropback success rate is fourth-best in the league. Meyers has been an electric addition, catching nearly everything thrown his way and adding a dynamic threat.
“Good speed, good route-running ability,” Steichen said of Meyers. “He’s a hell of a player,” he added.Combine him with the returning tight end Brenton Strange and the ever-dangerous Brian Thomas Jr. on the outside, and the Jaguars have a trio of weapons that can hurt you from anywhere on the field. The Colts’ secondary, led by Lou Anarumo’s schemes, will need to be disciplined and opportunistic.
They can’t afford blown coverages against a team that’s suddenly found its rhythm through the air.And let’s not forget the ground game. The Jaguars are a dominant 7-1 when they rush for over 100 yards. The Colts’ front seven will have its hands full trying to contain both the pass and the run.
Don’t Forget the Kicking Game
In a game this tight, with division implications on the line, it could all come down to a field goal. The Colts made a switch this week, bringing in Blake Grupe to replace Michael Badgley. Badgley’s missed PATs became a liability, and now the pressure falls on Grupe’s shoulders.
Grupe was solid for the Saints last year, hitting 87% of his field goals. The Colts need that reliability. Every point is precious, and a missed kick could be the difference between a division lead and a long flight home. No pressure, kid.
Final Thoughts
This Sunday isn’t about ghosts of seasons past. It’s about two 8-4 teams battling for control of the AFC South. It’s a classic slobber knocker with playoff implications written all over it. The only streak the Colts are focused on is their current winning one.
