Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Full Jacksonville Game Preview
The 4-8 Jacksonville Jaguars return to Everbank Field to try and earn an important division win over the Indianapolis Colts and to try and end a two-game losing skid. While the playoffs likely seem out of the question, a win this weekend and the Jaguars will be very much in the running.
The Colts are also coming into this game off a loss, and the Jaguars have shown that they can, at the very least, play a close game with the Colts. If the Jaguars can catch the Colts on the downslope and finally put things together, there's no reason Jacksonville shouldn't win.
While the Jaguars have shown frequently this season that they struggle with finishing games and putting together a complete performance, they have also shown some promising moments and do have the capability to beat a team like the Colts.
Sunday ought to be a tight matchup, and it will likely go down to the wire or, like these team's first meeting this season, go into overtime. The season is now at critical mass, and the Jaguars' postseason hopes hang in the balance.
Location: Everbank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Local)
Week 13 Results and Recap
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In what may have been the most explosive and exciting games of the season, the Jaguars suffered a 42-39 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. It was the strongest offensive day the team has had, but poor defense and critical mistakes led the Jaguars to their eighth loss.
Over the past few weeks, the Jaguars had slowly regressed, and that culminated into the Titans' massive day on offense. While seven of their points were gifted by center Stefen Wisniewski's wild snap, they still scored 35 offensively.
The defense had no answer for rookie Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota's impressive display. Throughout the day, Mariota led the Titans offense and was a threat in a multitude of ways.
There were points where the Jaguars looked to break away, mostly thanks to QB Blake Bortles' stunning efforts. Throwing for 322 yards and five touchdowns, Bortles was stellar to a degree we haven't seen.
It was one of the most disappointing losses of the year, but the Jaguars still have a chance. However, if a similar defensive display appears on Sunday, they may not have much of a chance.
News and Notes
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Bortles and WR Allen Robinson Set Franchise Records
Bortles' aforementioned performance was incredible, he owes a lot of thanks to wide receiver Allen Robinson. Bortles connected with Robinson 10 times, going for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
Sunday was a memorable day for both players, and it's not just for that singular performance. Thanks to their performances, both set franchise records for touchdowns, with Bortles breaking QB David Garrard's record of 23 and Robinson breaking WR Jimmy Smith's record of 10.
It's apparent that the Jaguars have an incredible group of young players, but Bortles and Robinson may be the cream of the crop. This won't be the last record the pair breaks.
City of Jacksonville Approves Everbank Field Upgrades
The city of Jacksonville has finally approved something that's been in the works for a while: club upgrades to Everbank Field, a covered flex field and an amphitheater will be built in the area of the stadium, as reported on Jaguars.com.
All three of the upgrades are expected to be finished by early next fall—a quick turnaround for a project that will require $90 million from the city and Jaguars owner Shad Khan—a cost they will split.
This is a massive step for the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville. This kind of investment will continue to escalate the Jaguars as a franchise.
Latest Injury News
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LB Paul Posluszny
As reported by Jaguars.com's John Oehser, linebacker Paul Posluszny has undergone surgery for a fractured right hand. However, he's not ruled out for Sunday; there's a chance he could play with a cast.
It seems unlikely he would go so quickly after surgery, but he hasn't been ruled out. If the Jaguars and "Poz" determine that he can safely and efficiently go on the field with a cast or some other device, you may still see him take the field against the Colts.
WR Allen Hurns
WR Allen Hurns practiced in full on Wednesday, as seen on Jaguars.com's injury report. The second-year receiver has fully recovered from a concussion sustained against the San Diego Chargers.
Hurns has been about as impressive as Robinson, and his being good to go in an important game is huge. He may not come back and dominate right away, but Hurns is a player who surprises and will be going all-out on Sunday.
LB Dan Skuta
LB Dan Skuta practiced in limited fashion on Wednesday, bringing some hope that he'll make a return after missing the last two games. His absence has been clearly visible, and having him and Posluszny back would be a huge boost to the defense.
Skuta has quickly become an important player on this defense. Having to start LBs Thurston Armbrister or Jordan Tripp is an automatic downgrade. It's been difficult to progress without him, but the Jaguars may not have to worry about that this weekend.
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Key Matchups
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Jaguars Secondary vs. Colts' WRs
The Jaguars secondary has been a source of great disappointment and struggle this season, and it's probably not in anyone's best interest to expect serious improvement for the rest of the season. However, the Jaguars do have corner Davon House, and if one or two players can step up around him, they could shut down some of the Colts' strongest weapons.
Whether the Colts send out QB Andrew Luck, Matt Hasslebeck or Charlie Whitehurst, the secondary needs to step up against Colts WRs Andre Johnson, T.Y. Hilton and Phillip Dorsett. House will likely perform at a decent level, but it's on CBs Dwayne Gratz, Aaron Colvin and Demetrius McCray to provide support.
This goes the same for safeties Johnathan Cyprien and Sergio Brown. The Jaguars have done well enough against the run this season; now it's time to execute against the pass.
Allen Robinson vs. Vontae Davis
While Bortles can be thankful to have Hurns back, it's hard to think that finding Robinson won't be his first priority. Robinson will be taking on the Colts' top CB Vontae Davis, who has struggled a bit this season.
Davis hasn't been especially bad, but his play hasn't reached the level we've seen in recent seasons. If Davis isn't on his best game, Robinson could have another massive day.
But it wouldn't be wise to underestimate Davis. Robinson will still have to fight for every catch, but considering his play coming into this game, it seems likely Robinson will win this individual battle.
X-Factor: Jordan Tripp
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There are a plethora of players that could fill this spot, but considering how impactful the absences of Posluszny's or Skuta's absences are, Tripp's Sunday performance may be one of the most important of the day.
Should Posluszny or Skuta not being able to go, Tripp won't just see more playing time, he will likely be a starter. And even if they both can go, their recent injuries will likely give Tripp significant time on the field.
Tripp showed real promise last week, most notably in his play against the run. He's got solid vision, but he lacks the polish of players such as Posluszny and Skuta. But the Jaguars have learned that throwing raw talent on the field, as was done with LB Telvin Smith and S Johnathan Cyprien, can have solid results.
It may be a lot to ask of Tripp, but the undrafted free agent has shown competence and tenacity on the field. It's through game experience that we find the value of players like Tripp, and this is a chance for him to prove his quality.
Prediction: Jaguars 17, Colts 20
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Sunday will be a massive game for the Jaguars, but the issue with finishing, as well as the defense's regression, makes it seem unlikely the Jaguars can pull out a victory. And it's less about the Colts being a legitimately better opponent and more about the Jaguars' inability to win.
This team has shown promise and the ability to hang with good teams, but when it comes to finishing, it typically commits befuddling mistakes in nearly every game. Whether it's missed kicks, bad snaps or poor tackling, the Jaguars just haven't put together a complete performance.
That's not to say it's not possible for the Jaguars to win, but it's hard to have confidence in them no matter the situation. Despite Bortles and the offense showing improvement, they just don't execute when it matters.
The Jaguars can take a step forward by beating the Colts, and it would very much keep the playoff hopes alive. However, the Jaguars have failed to progress in terms of finishing this season, and it's only fair to expect more of the same this Sunday.
All stats provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.
Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.
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