Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts: Three Top Performers

3. Defense/Special Teams

As was the case a few weeks ago, I have been unable to select just one select member of this team for the last spot. The 80-yard touchdown was certainly nice, but their were a couple other gigantic plays that sparked this win.

With the Jags down 10 late in the first half, Andre Branch actually did something positive. After hearing every negative comment in the book, how he and Chris Clemons were possibly the two worst starting defensive ends in the NFL, something inspired him.

The Jaguars finished with just three sacks on Sunday but of course they all came from either Branch or Clemons. This team still fails to get to the quarterback, but at least this is something positive to think about. Branch’s touchdown was the longest fumble return since Daryl Smith back in 2007.

Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Andre Branch (90) runs back a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

You add that touchdown with Johnathan Cyprien’s second career interception and it’s hard to not think we’re all still dreaming about this game. The good news in regards to Sunday is that Bradley finally chose to make changes on the defensive side of the ball…AND THEY WORKED!

Dwayne Gratz was finally benched and the secondary was much better. No Poz, but Jordan Tripp played really well and having Skuta back helped too. The defense can still get a lot better but the fact that Babich and Gus are finally doing something about it makes the future seem a lot brighter.

We’ll end with the rookie, the Florida State Seminole who has completely changed the Jaguars special teams. Rashad Greene once again proved his talent on Sunday with a huge return that brought the fans to their feet.

Greene’s 73-yard punt return for touchdown was the first for a Jaguar since Mike Thomas all the way back in 2010. I think we can all be thankful that the team finally has a threat in the return game, because it’s been a rare commodity.

Greene’s near return sparked the win against Tennessee back in primetime and the hope is that this won’t be his last hurrah of 2015. Unfortunately Greene has had to deal with a few injuries this season, but when this man can finally get out on the field on a week by week basis, expect even bigger games than what you saw on Sunday.

The Jaguars have three games left in the season, three very winnable games, and the hope is that they can do the unthinkable. The Atlanta Falcons have struggled hard over the past few weeks and the Jags will have a chance to send the home fans happy one more time.

If the three units can dominate like what we saw against the Colts, there’s no question that this team will see win number six.