Colts at Jaguars Preview

The Jaguars are 5-9, guaranteeing them a losing season without a trip to the playoffs. They aren’t going to win their division. In fact, they are making a strong argument for last place. All those things are true so what do the Jaguars really have to play for when they face off against the Colts tonight? The Jaguars are going to do what they do best: play spoiler. The Colts are in a wild card run with the Ravens, the Patriots and the Dolphins. If the Jaguars defeat them tonight, their playoff run becomes that much more difficult, especially when you consider they are playing the Titans next week. If there is one thing Jaguars fans would love to see it is the Colts crashing a burning right down with them.

The Last Time They Met

This will not be an easy victory for the down and out Jaguars. When the Jaguars beat the Colts earlier this year, the Colts were… how can I say it politely? Bad. They were just pathetic. They had lost their swagger of years past. Every one started to write them off. Sports analysts begged the question, “Is Peyton Manning done for?” Then the Colts decided to go on a seven game winning streak and haven’t looked back since.

The Last Time They Played In Jacksonville

Last year, the Jaguars met the Colts at the Jack for a prime time game. It was billed as an exciting match up between two dominating teams. It looked like a promising game until David Garrard was injured and Quinn Grey came in to replace him. The Colts dominated the Jaguars and all Jaguars fans got out of the game was this gem:

Injury List

Colts

Out: Gary Brackett (Fibula)

Questionable: Marvin Harrison (Knee), Chad Simpson (Ankle), Joseph Addai (Shoulder), Antoine Bethea (Ankle), Dallas Clark (Hip), Dwight Freeney (Foot), Tyjuan Hagler (Knee), Charlie Johnson (Shin), Freddy Keiaho (Shoulder), Bob Sanders (Knee), Jeff Saturday (Calf), Tony Ugoh (Knee) 

Jaguars

Probable: Greg Estandia (Foot), John Henderson (Shoulder), Brad Meester (Knee), Rob Meier (Thumb), Montell Owens (Shoulder), Tony Pashos (Knee) 

Indicates full participation in practice 

Though the Jaguars injury list is a little misleading.  On Injured Reserve: Anthony Controne, Greg Jones, Jonathan Lewis, Vince Manuwai, Rashean Mathis, Tony McDaniel, Chris Naeole, Chad Nkang, Adam Podlesh, Jerry Porter, Daryl Smith, Scott Starks, Fred Taylor, Maurice Williams, James Wyche

The Prediction

With a lot of starters on IR and the Colts’ resurgence, I doubt the Jaguars’ ability to pull out this win at home. The Colts are naturals on the big stage. They are looking for vengeance. Though, because they are divisional rivals, they know what each other is bringing to the stage. That is the only hope for the Jaguars. However, I think their injuries are going to prevent them from being able to do much.

23 – 17 Colts.