Three Bold Predictions: Jaguars face the Colts

By David Levin | Dec 2, 2018

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: A Jacksonville Jaguars fan as seen during the game against the New York Jets on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

The Jacksonville Jaguars face an Indianapolis Colts team that looks to make a run toward the playoffs. Can the home team play spoiler along the way?

Scott Milanovich knows he has a chance to give the Jacksonville Jaguars home crowd a bit of hope this weekend. He can also help stop this seven-game losing streak everyone has been talking about wants to end the conversation.

When the team’s new play-caller met the media this week, he did not want to give away too much information about how he prepares for game day. While he has been the team’s quarterbacks coach and has spent time with both Cody Kessler and Blake Bortles, there are some things that Milanovich did not want to tip his hat to.

"“I can throw out a million clichés for you; ‘Everybody wants to be balanced …’’’ Milanovich said. “That’s about as far as I’m going to go this week.”"

There is some pressure on the coaching staff this week to use the changes made at quarterback to their advantage and for their new offensive coordinator (interim) to show the team can move the football a bit better against the Colts.

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Jacksonville trailed 29-0 at the half three weeks ago before scoring 26 points in the second half. I suspect the team will try to stick with the running game but use short and intermediate pass plays to keep the Colts defense honest. Milanovich also has a chance to be bold, to take chances and to prove this unit can be dominant if given the opportunity.

"“There will be some differences,” he added. You can’t go mass new playbook. I think everybody understands that.”"

The Jaguars still have one lifeline left for a chance at the playoffs. It’s a virtual improbability, but they are not mathematically eliminated yet. A win this week keeps the hope alive. But for now, the playoffs aren’t the focal point of the remainder of the season. Winning this Sunday is all that matters.

Here are three bold predictions for Sunday.

Carlos Hyde gets 100 yards rushing – The fact the Jaguars have not had a 100-yard runner this season is a bit troubling. Leonard Fournette ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns before being ejected last week.

Carlos Hyde wants more carries in this offense and will get that chance on Sunday. He will become the first play to crack the century-barrier this season.

Look for Jacksonville to once again use the running game, but also incorporate more play-action pass and use the running backs out of the backfield. Hyde could have a huge game.

Another big game for Donte Moncrief – The wide receiver had three catches for 98 yards in the last game against his former team. That included an 80 yard touchdown catch and run.

Donte Moncrief has shown flashes of greatness this season but has not been the consistent pass catcher the team thought he would be when he signed his one-year deal in the off-season. Will playing another game against the Colts inspire a big day on the field?

Look for the former third-round pick in 2014 to grab seven catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Calais Campbell gets three sacks – The notion of the Jaguars getting three sacks this week may be the biggest prediction of them all given Andrew Luck has been protected well this season.

Calais Campbell is due for another huge day. Having to focus on him could also open the door for Yannick Ngakoue to get his share of pressure this week. Also, the Jaguars must apply pressure up the middle so the ends have an easier time getting around the tackles.

I think the big man has a big day in front of the home crowd.

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