Friday Fact or Fiction – Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Sep 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars have only lost three games, but it feels like a lot more given the lack of suspense in all three contests. The Indianapolis Colts played well last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but the Jaguars do match up relatively well against Andrew Luck’s squad.

Here are a couple off-the-cuff predictions about this Sunday’s game:

The Jaguars defense will have one interception: FACT

Andrew Luck might be the best young quarterback in the game and part of that is his penchant to go down the field. He’s thrown 11 passes over 20 yards with 3 completions and 1 interception. The Jaguars should be able to get some pressure on a shaky offensive line and cause at least one turnover in this game.

Blaine Gabbert will have +200 yards passing: FACT

Blaine Gabbert has given me no reason to believe he’ll be competent in this game, but I do think Coach Bradley’s recent statements about him being too safe and needing to take chances resonated with him. Gabbert has to know this season is his last chance to entrench himself as a starter in the NFL. Odds are even if he performs at an average level that he’ll be out of Jacksonville this season – but performing well in his time left here is an audition for other teams. I expect Gabbert to take more chances down the field than he ever has before.

Robert Mathis will have a sack : FICTION

Eugene Monroe has been unspectacular this season and the play of his fellow offensive lineman probably has something to do with it. Still Monroe has to elevate his level of play and I think it starts this week with shutting down Robert Mathis. Mathis has been a terror this season with 4 sacks but he’s been somewhat of a liability in the run game. The Jaguars should establish the run early to neutralize Mathis and keep him from teeing off, and this should help Monroe keep him in check as well.

The Jaguars were able to eke out a last second win against the Colts last year and with Gabbert and Shorts a similar result can’t be dismissed. Still, until I see a competent offense in the first half of a game I can’t predict a win.

Prediction:   Colts 27- Jaguars 17

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89