Knowing The Jaguars’ Enemies – The Indianapolis Colts

By Cole Hartley
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Updated: July 28, 2014

Leading up to the 2014 season, I think it’s important not only to assess the Jaguars’ improvements and transformations but to evaluate the Jags’ biggest competition as well. This is the first of three write-ups that will break down the Jaguars’ AFC South enemies.

Taking into account that I myself have no idea what kind of process the Jaguars will be undertaking on the field this year, I can’t imagine that the rest of the AFC South has established an appraisal of what kind of opponent the Jaguars will really be. I guess it should be a safe assumption that the Colts, Texans, and Titans all predict two easy wins against the Jags this season. But hey, that makes winning even sweeter, right?

A team like the Colts, on the other hand, can be confidently picked apart and evaluated. The Colts are heading into their third year since starting a “rebuild,” which actually only lasted for about one offseason. After two successful seasons, Indy is a genuine NFL contender. I’m not sure how realistic it is to expect the Jaguars to be fighting for AFC South title later this season, but if by some act of God they do, the Colts will surely stand as the biggest hurdle. The Colts are preparing as if they’ll win the Super Bowl, and they are the only team in the AFCS that can credibly place themselves in that race. The Texans, Titans, and Jaguars are all searching for improvement while the Colts are aiming for the top of the pyramid.

Andrew Luck could be a top 5 QB this season, only if his capacity for turnovers in big games is overtaken by his ability to flat-out ball against big opponents. The kid is good - most of the time. My expert opinion: If he plays good, the Colts will be good. How cliché does it sound to single out a team’s QB as the make or break factor in achieving the next level? Well, if there was ever a team in recent history that relied almost exclusively on QB play, it was the Colts. That was more than evident when Peyton Manning sat out for a whole season. And if there was ever a replacement that could step in and take the wheel after that disastrous 2-14 season, it was Andrew Luck. Luck didn’t just replace Peyton; he inserted himself as the new franchise face – a revolution that took very little time to cultivate. After leading the team to the playoffs in both of his two seasons as the Colts’ leader, there should be little doubt that Andrew Luck can find the same success in his upcoming third year.

Where does this leave the Jags? Historically, the Jaguars have been competitive against the Colts. More recently, they have not. In their two meetings last year, the Colts took both games decisively and outscored Jax with a season total of 67-13.

This season has the potential to be different. While I don’t see the Colts regressing to any substantial extent, the Jaguars improvements in several key areas should provide at least a better match up. Last year, the Colts vs. Jags matchup was all too one-sided. It all starts with Andrew Luck. Luck holds the capability to play like a veteran QB, but he does not always make veteran decisions. In the past, Luck has undeniably played to a veteran capacity against the Jags, picking apart the young defense. This year, however, the Jaguars have depth in pass rushing to get after Luck, maybe summoning that other side of him – a frantic, rushed QB with an aptitude to still make rookie mistakes. Maybe, just maybe, the Jaguars will have enough attacking presence this season to bring out that side of Luck.

Could subduing Andrew Luck allow Chad Henne to be a quiet hero? The Jags added weapons this offseason, and frankly, I’m not sure the Colts’ secondary is anything to be afraid of. The Colts signed aging vet Mike Adams this offseason, an ex-Bronco safety that may or may not start this season. A starting role would place Adams next to LaRon Landry, who had an up-and-down kind of campaign last year after the Colts handed him a $24 million contract. The Colts lost their other starting safety, Bethea, this past offseason to the 49ers.

Up front, Chuck Pagano’s D-line will surely look to get stouter and stronger if they’re going to make a deeper playoff run. Should the line have the same appearance of the 26^th ranked run defense of last season, perhaps Jags’ workhorse RB Toby Gerhart could have his breakout game week three against the Colts at home. Oh, how I long for the days of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew ripping apart that Colts defense, as Peyton Manning was contained to his sideline. Could we see days such as those rematerialize? If Gerhart is going to emerge as the Jags’ franchise back, week three sure would be a hell of a time to do it.

And if the Jaguars are going to beat the Colts twice this year, keeping Andrew Luck on the sideline – just like the days of defeating Peyton Manning – will be a significant factor. A run game could beat the Colts in the past, and a run game can beat the Colts this year.

A better match up does not equate to a Jags sweep against Indy this year. That much enthusiasm is just unwholesome. But I believe in this team, I believe in the progress that has been made, and I believe in the Jags’ spirit this year. The Jaguars have their first regular season home game against the Colts week three, and the fans will surely be fired up. Nothing like opening up against a division rival, especially if that rival is the division alpha-dog. Could the Jaguars make a statement? Or will they have another late season surge, ready to face the Colts in Indy week 12?

Dates of Battle:

WEEK 3 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 12 in Jacksonville, FL 1:00PM

WEEK 12 Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Nov. 23, in Indianapolis, IN 1:00PM