The Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars both look to Week 2 to move past a non-desired result. The Colts came back to force overtime and tied a game that they dominated on the stat sheet. The Jaguars lost a close game in which they controlled a late lead. Both teams felt a win was in their grasp. And both look towards a divisional opponent to seek a little revenge.
How The Jacksonville Jaguars Could Beat the Indianapolis Colts… Again
The Jaguars will bring the pressure. They have been successful doing so in the past. Last season, across two games against the Jaguars, the Colts’ offensive line allowed 31 hurries. According to Pro Football Focus, with these hurries the Colts allowed eight sacks, and eleven other quarterback hits. And most of their productive players in this sense are back. Players like Josh Allen, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Dawuane Smoot. Newcomer, and 2022 first overall pick, Travon Walker looks to continue his sack streak he started in Week 1.
This is the base of a proven plan for Jacksonville to beat the Colts. I imagine their plan will continue with stacking the box to slow down Jonathan Taylor. Finally, in the secondary the Jaguars will most likely double-team Michael Pittman Jr. and let the rest of the pass catchers try to beat them.
This means Hines, Campbell, Dulin and Strachan need to come through when called upon. I did not mention, rookie Alec Pierce because he may miss the game Sunday while being in concussion protocol.
How to beat Jacksonville’s Blitz
The Jaguars had trouble defending the opposing running backs and slot receivers in the passing game during Week 1. Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson and slot receiver Curtis Samuel totaled 15 receptions on 18 targets. These two pass catchers combined for 127 total yards and 91 yards after catch.
The Biggest Nyghtmare for the Jaguars
Que, Nyheim Hines. His play will be crucial in snapping the franchise losing streak in Jacksonville dating back to the 2015 season.
The Swiss-army knife of the Colts’ offense may be asked to catch passes all over the field against the Jaguars. In Week 1 Hines was only targeted on passes within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. When the pressure comes, Ryan will need to find someone quickly. Hines could likely be his target, and with space afforded in Jacksonville’s Cover-2 Shell defense, he will have room to work his magic for some YAC.
Along with catching deeper passes, Hines’ number may be called more frequently in Week 2. He caught all six of the passes thrown his direction in Houston. With Pierce most likely out, Ryan may look to Hines more often than Week 1.
The Indianapolis Colts Must Beat the Jacksonville Jaguars and Right The Ship
Of course, it is Week 2, and it is the NFL, so anything can happen throughout this season. But starting off the season 0-1-1, after dropping two “winnable” games, would even cause panic in the most levelheaded fan.
Hines is going to be very important if the Jaguars can slow down Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor. I would love to see Mike Strachan get more than four snaps as a receiver, and I think he will this Sunday.
Along with him, Ashton Dulin and Parris Campbell need to make some important plays to shake off some of the bad press from Week 1.
None of this matters if the Colts’ offensive line, namely Braden Smith, can bounce back from their Week 1 performance. If the O-line plays as a strong cohesive unit, then the Colts will dominate the run game. If the Colts dominate the run game, then good luck to Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville offense in keeping up with Taylor’s pace.
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