Jaguars vs. Colts: Complete Report Card Grades for Jacksonville
In Week 12 the Jacksonville Jaguars were absolutely pulverized by the Indianapolis Colts to the score of 23-3.
Believe it or not, it was actually a close game at halftime, where the Jaguars trailed by only three, thanks in large part to a dominant effort by the defense.
It was the Jaguars' defensive line, which collected five sacks and three forced fumbles that led the way on defense. Additionally, the Jaguars got a huge performance by rookie linebacker Telvin Smith (13 tackles and one fumble recovery) who continues to make the most of his opportunities.
Offensively, it was a different story for the Jaguars. As a team they only managed 194 yards and were unable to find the end zone at all. The offense was led by Marqise Lee (three receptions, 52 yards) but failed to receive any notable performances from anyone else.
Overall, it was another anemic performance from a team that is supposed to be developing young talent. After 12 weeks of sorry performances, I expected this to be a much harder-fought game.
Sadly, the Jaguars keep giving us the same old disappointing performances. Let’s take a look at how each positional unit performed.
Quarterback
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I, like most, am losing faith in Blake Bortles. It’s one thing for a rookie quarterback to struggle in his rookie campaign, but Bortles has consistently regressed in every phase of his game. In fact, at one point in this matchup, he literally just dropped the ball.
Not good.
Bortles finished this matchup 15-of-27 for 146 yards and one interception. However, beyond his stats was a quarterback who struggled with accuracy, timing and pocket presence. Truthfully, Bortles looks like a quarterback who has lost all confidence.
I hope that I’m wrong about Bortles, but I don’t see a guy who is a future franchise quarterback.
Grade: F
Running Back
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Let me start by saying that I’m a big fan of running back Denard Robinson. I think he displays a rare combination of explosiveness, speed and finishing power. Now that I’ve said that, I feel like I can say that this was likely the worst I’ve ever seen Robinson run.
Despite finishing with 72 total yards, only 25 of those were on the ground, despite 14 attempts.
Robinson was hindered a bit by the Jaguars' inability to generate any type of balanced offense. The fact that the team can’t pass the football allows defenses to stack the box to limit the run.
Overall, it’s hard to blame Robinson for his performance. I just hope it doesn’t turn into a trend for the very talented second-year back.
Grade: C-
Wide Receiver
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All in all it was a pretty awful performance by everyone involved in the passing game. The Jaguars receivers combined for a lowly 146 yards on 15 receptions.
The leader of this unit was rookie Marqise Lee, who has been the definition of lukewarm all season. Lee caught fire a bit in this one and was able to wiggle away for a dynamic 37-yard gain before being brought down in what was the most exciting aerial play of the game.
Overall, this was a really discouraging game by the Jaguars receivers. While I understand Bortles has been less-than-stellar, I expected this very talented group to be able to step up and make some plays on their own.
Grade: D
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Tight End
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It was nice to have Marcedes Lewis back, as he’s easily the best run-blocking tight end on the team. However, given the lack of success in the passing game, Lewis’ impact was minimized.
Lewis finished the day with just one reception for minus-five yards. Lewis is a big receiver with decent hands who could be an excellent security blanket for Bortles. That being said, Lewis needs to assert himself as the veteran leader on this offense and help get this ship right.
Grade: D
Offensive Line
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It was pretty much status quo for the offensive line against the Colts. Every week we see some decent run blocks and a few missed pass-rushers that go on to brutalize Blake Bortles. In this particular matchup, it was more of the same as Bortles was sacked four times and hit seven times.
Like the rest of this team, this is a relatively young unit. There’s reasons to be excited when you watch rookie center Luke Bowanko, who has really anchored the offensive line this season.
I still feel like the Jaguars are lacking a dominant, run-blocking right tackle who can play the role of the mauler. Too often are opposing defensive ends able to establish an edge that forces runners back into traffic.
Expect that there will be some changes in the offseason in the trenches for the Jaguars.
Grade: D-
Defensive Line
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Here are some words we could use to describe the defensive line’s performance against the Colts: dominant, powerful, incredible. OK, that list isn’t exhaustive, but it does a job at summing up just how good it was.
Let’s just take a look at the final stat line for the defensive line: five sacks, three tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. In short, it was a passionate, dominant effort by one of the league’s best defensive lines.
That’s pretty darn solid.
The Jaguars' defensive line is loaded with talent from top to bottom. Every week it is out there giving its all and is the only really encouraging part of this Jaguars team.
With so much youth lining the defensive line, it’s exciting to think about just how dominant it can be with some added experience.
Grade: A+
Linebacker
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What an impressive performance by the linebackers this week. This is a group that I consistently berate, but Sunday it shut me up big time.
The Jaguars switched things up a bit in this matchup starting rookie Telvin Smith on the weak side and moving Geno Hayes to the “Otto” linebacker position.
Boy, did that work out.
Smith was all over the field and was easily the Jaguars' best defender on Sunday. Smith finished with 13 total tackles and a fumble recovery.
As a whole, this unit has struggled containing running lanes and maintaining its zones in coverage. In this matchup, I felt like it was disciplined and much-improved. Was it a perfect effort? No—the Colts still put up 175 yards rushing—but it was a big improvement from what we’ve seen previously.
Grade: B
Secondary
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The secondary is by far the weakest unit on this defense. While Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz are young players who are showing signs of growth, it’s been a different story for safeties Josh Evans and Johnathan Cyprien.
Cyprien was expected to be the leader of this unit and emerge as one of the best young safeties in the league this season. However, after 12 weeks all I’ve seen is Cyprien out of position and missing opportunities to make plays.
In this week’s matchup, the Jaguars were absolutely dominated by T.Y. Hilton, who went for two scores. Hilton was mostly successful because of his ability to exploit blown coverage—something that happens a lot around here.
If this unit ever wants to prove that it’s not a liability for this defense,it’ll need to display some consistency and playmaking ability. Fast.
Grade: D
Special Teams
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Overall, it was actually a pretty decent game from the special teams unit. With the exception of a 40-yard kickoff return by Josh Cribbs, it was a relatively strong showing from a unit that has struggled as of late.
Moreover, it was also a solid day by punter Bryan Anger. Anger has struggled at times with his ability to pin opponents deep into their own territory. However, on numerous occasions, Anger came through with excellent punts that put the Colts well inside the 20-yard line.
Grade: B
Coaching
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Give credit to head coach Gus Bradley for getting his defense to come out with some fire to start the game. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to match the intensity or production of the defense.
I believe in Bradley; I think he’s putting together a talented young team that just needs to learn and develop.
In Sunday’s matchup, Bradley had the right idea, get pressure on Luck and swarm to the ball. This team is going to get there, and the last person who deserves blame for this awful season is Bradley.
Grade: B
Cumulative Grade
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| Quarterback | F |
| Running Back | C- |
| Wide Receiver | D |
| Tight End | D |
| Offensive Line | D- |
| Defensive Line | A+ |
| Linebacker | B |
| Secondary | D |
| Special Teams | B |
| Coaching | B |
In the end, it’s the same old Jaguars. I have yet to see a complete 60-minute performance from this team, which leaves me questioning how much this team is actually developing. If I’m being honest, I don’t see a way this team gets another win. It’s time to look forward to 2015.
Cumulative Grade: D-
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