AFC South rivals Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars confront each other for win – NFL Preview
The two American Football Conference (AFC) South rivals – the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars – confront each other in the second game of the series between them this Thursday (Nov. 08).
Although the Jaguars won first game of the series, their recent record shows the Colts are far better outfit than the struggling hosts. It is pertinent to note here that the Jaguars have faltered in their home games and can be challenged to defend the series clean-sweep versus the Colts.
The only win that the Jaguars have got this season is against the Colts.
Since then there is also a contrast in players’ performances from both sides: While Jaguars offence leader Blaine Gabbert is struggling into his second pro career as much as he did during the rookie year, Colts QB Andrew Luck has just come out of record performance against the Miami Dolphins.
The Colts can rely safely on him for the win over the Jaguars, and loss of the first game in the series is not expected to be of help for the hosts or guarantee a win for them.
Another setback for the Jaguars is that they are heading into the game without running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who will be out for another week with a foot injury. In the wake of a sluggish form shown by the quarterback, the RB was main force used by the team.
Also, Maurice’s impressive form led the Jaguars to a win over the Colts and his absence is going to be felt strongly in the game.
A win, which will be a clear aim for the Jaguars, will not come easy at all, as with Maurice out, Blaine and wide receiver Justin Blackmon struggling, the Jaguars do not have a player who could produce match-winning performance in the Colts game.
The Colts, on the other hand, are riding on Dolphins’ win, irrespective of the fact that stakes are not very high for them. They have already moved beyond the last season’s poor record and a couple of more wins this year will be a job well done by them.
It is not a goal for the team, though. They with rebuilding process going ahead smoothly have players like Luck to further push for wins. It will be too early to predict but they might well be in the playoffs this season, especially if Luck continues his impressive run.
Tags: