Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 Keys

Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson (15) celebrates after a touchdown reception during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off their most impressive offensive game of the season, their 39 points scored against the Titans is highest of the year. Blake Bortles threw five touchdowns for the first time in his career and he also set the Jaguars record for most passing touchdowns in a season (which he will continue to break). Allen Robinson had the best game of his young NFL career – last week’s game was the first time Robinson had over 150 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.

Regardless of the impressive offensive numbers, the Jaguars still failed to get a much needed victory against the struggling Titans. They still find themselves two games back from the division leading Indianapolis Colts. If the Jaguars plan on turning their season around, then the defense will need to step up significantly. They gave up 467 total yards to a Titans offense that ranks 28th in the league in total offense. Marcus Mariota had his way with the Jaguars defense, his 112 yards on the ground are the most the Jaguars have given up to a quarterback this season (by a wide margin).

Moving on to this week’s matchup against the Colts, the Jaguars will face Matt Hasselbeck for their second time this season with revenge on their mind. In the previous matchup against the Colts, the Jaguars really let the game slip away with the high amount of penalties they committed, which perfectly leads into my first key to the game.

1. Limit silly mistakes

Sep 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley argues a call with head linesman Jim Howey (37) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Field. The Panthers defeat the Jaguars 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Going into to this week’s matchup, the Jaguars only have 80 total penalties which is tied for the 11th lowest in the NFL. However, 13 of those penalties came against the Colts in week four. Roughly 16 percent of the Jaguars penalties have came against the Colts this season which is a extremely high number. When you have a young team like Jacksonville does, silly mistakes could be the difference between winning and losing and they saw a prime example of that in week four.

If Jacksonville wants to win their fifth game of the season, then Blake Bortles will have to take care of the ball as well. His 13 interceptions is the second highest in the NFL but on a positive note he didn’t throw any picks  against Indianapolis in week four. This week’s matchup will certainly be a tough test for the Jaguars but if they can avoid silly mistakes then they could get a much needed division win.

Next: Blake Bortles Must Stay Hot