Odds even but Indianapolis Colts can beat Jacksonville Jaguars – NFL Preview
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in a total American Football Conference (AFC) South division showdown at Lucas Oil stadium this Sunday (September 23) - both sides heading into the game with odds seem even.
One advantage the Colts have is that they are a win up over the Jaguars, who are still struggling to record a victory to their credit.
Both teams stand together by embarking upon a new journey, otherwise. The only difference is the ownership, as while the Jaguars are owned by new owner Shahid Khan, Jim Irsay stays the Colts’ owner as he was before the last season. From head coach to coordinators,
both teams have new staff.
On the quarterback situation, the Colts with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck can claim to be into a situation similar to the Jaguars', given the latter's second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert still plays like a rookie. There are certain chances in fact that
Luck outclasses Gabbert, especially if his last game's performance is taken into account.
It nevertheless is a real challenge for both QBs. The stakes are clearly higher for Blaine because in spite of the warning from head coach Mike Mularkey he is failing the team once again.
Blaine, running back Maurice Jones-Drew and rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon are main strength of the Jaguars’ offensive line and failure by any of them will definitely hurt the team’s performance and victory chances.
Blackmon is yet to perform up to his potential. He had been rated to be a highly talented player but has so far not been able to find form and rhythm. If he is able to be in his prime form the Jaguars can certainly set hopes on a victory.
A win for the Jaguars will otherwise be a challenge given the Colts will ride on the victory in the previous game and their confidence will be higher than the Jaguars.
Further, Luck has shown himself to be a talented player, probably more mature than Blaine, and if he is able to lead the Colts from the front, the Jaguars might not find an answer to his attacks.
This is exactly how he tackled the opposition in the last game. His performance is particularly significant in the pressure he receives from the opponents’ defence. All teams are well aware of his skills and single him out in their defensive strategies.
His movement was almost chocked in the season opener and he ended up performing less than his potential.
He bounced back strongly and helped the Colts record win in the second game of the season for which they had to wait for 13 games a season earlier.
So the Jaguars must be aware that they are not the same old Colts that can easily be thrashed. They will have to prove themselves best in all departments to beat the opposition at their home ground in front of their home crowd.
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