5 Storylines to Watch: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

Another disappointing season is coming to an end for the Jacksonville Jaguars today as they face the Indianapolis.

The end is near. After 16 weeks of a painful NFL season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will put a cap on this year with the home finale against the Indianapolis Colts. For two teams that expected their fortunes to be quite different, the last game seems like relief rather than hope for the future.

The Jaguars look to end the season with a win and something positive to grow on this offseason. The Colts hope to finish at .500 and win their second game against an AFC South rival.

Here are five things to watch in Jacksonville’s final game of the 2019 season.

Many starters unable to play

Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew is experiencing soreness in his right shoulder that could keep him out of the Jaguars’ final game. Jacksonville will also be without starting running back Leonard Fournette who has the flu. If that’s the case, Nick Foles and Ryquell Armstead will in behind the offensive line.

Cornerback A.J. Bouye is out with a wrist injury, and wide receiver Dede Westbrook (neck/shoulder) is questionable.

This should give reserves a chance to put together some tape for next season as they hope to either remain here in Jacksonville or play elsewhere.

Should he stay or should he go?

There are many conflicting reports on whether head coach Doug Marrone will be with the team next season. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Marrone had dinner with owner Shad Khan and senior vice president Tony Khan on Thursday but nothing regarding his coaching status is confirmed.

If Marrone stays, does that mean general manager Dave Caldwell will also return, or will both be given pink slips following Sunday’s game? Caldwell is 35-76 as the Jaguars general manager and Marrone 21-28 as head coach.

Also, will defensive coordinator Todd Wash and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo stay if Marrone is brought back? There are many questions ahead once the clock hits zero Sunday night.

Final showing for a flurry of players

Sunday will be the final time a good amount of players will be seen in a Jaguars jersey. Some could include pass rushers Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell, offensive guard Andrew Norwell and wide receiver Marqise Lee.

But Sunday is also a chance for many players to showcase their abilities for the future of the team, including defensive tackle Taven Bryan, cornerback Tre Herndon, and linebacker Leon Jacobs.

Good games from these players and others could leave a good impression for next season.

Looking to April

Due to their disappointing season, Jacksonville is locked in for another top 10 pick in the NFL Draft, if the team can find any solace in that. The team will also have the Los Angeles Rams’ first-round pick from the Jalen Ramsey trade.

Jacksonville should be able to help its roster with three picks in the top 40 or so selections. It’s a chance to help the defensive side of the ball, especially with Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown as one of the best players in the draft.

While many will prefer a playoff appearance or some consistency, these two first-round picks will bring talent to a team in desperate need of it, especially at the linebacker position and interior line.

Jaguars going to Jaguars

At the start of the season, Foles was supposed to bring the Jaguars back to the playoffs. Instead, the project blew up in the team’s face. But the team has much to look forward to, including a potential quarterback on the future, top wide receiver in DJ Chark, a workhorse running back, and top tier pass rush.

It was a forgetful season, but the future is bright for the Jaguars.

Next. Jaguars: 3 bold predictions for Sunday. dark

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