Jaguars defied pundits and won their first 2020 game

The so-called experts gave the Jaguars no chance against the Colts in the season opener. So much for experts.

The Jaguars weren’t supposed to show up for this game. The Colts were favored to win by over a touchdown, and. no one in the National media gave the Jaguars a chance to win. In fact Charlie Weis on SiriusXM NFL radio predicted a beat down.

Instead, it was the Jaguars coming away with a seven-point win in the fourth quarter.

This victory was special.

The Jaguars showed up big time and DUUUVAL! was heard loud and clear as they defeated the Colts 27-20 in a hard-fought and thrilling game. After a slow start, the Jags kept scrapping, fighting, and never gave up. It was a much-needed victory for long-suffering Jaguars fans.

The Jaguars rookies came to play. James Robinson, an undrafted free agent running back, had an impressive start with 62 yards rushing on 16 carries, as well as a 28-yard reception at a critical time in the game.

Cornerback CJ Henderson had five solo tackles and an interception, making the final tackle against the Colts to seal the victory.  Another rookie, running back Laviska Shenault, had two rushes for 10 yards and caught three passes for 37 yards. Jacksonville’s young players showed talent and hustle in their NFL debuts.

Quarterback Gardner Minshew finished the game with a QB rating of 142.3, completing 19 of 20 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Minshew added an additional 19 yards rushing to his stat line. He started slowly with short passes but lit it up in the second half. Many wondered what Minshew would do in his second season, and after this game, it appears he will continue to grow and improve.

The veterans came to play as well.  Linebacker Myles Jack had 11 total tackles, eight solo tackles, one sack, and one tackle for a loss. He looked much more comfortable at his natural position on the outside.

Safety Josh Jones, a former Packers second-round draft choice in 2017, proved to be a good pick up, contributing 12 tackles in his first game as a Jaguar. Another free agent pickup, linebacker Joe Schobert, also made a nice debut. The free agent from Cleveland had eight total tackles, five solo tackles, and one tackle for a loss.

It would be naive to say that the Jaguars have arrived but with the negative assessments by the national media, it was fun to prove them wrong if only for one week. This was a team victory.

There were no hangdog looks, no obvious arguments on the sidelines, no weird coaching decisions, and no lack of effort. For this one glorious week…It’s great to be a Jacksonville Jaguar.DUUUUVAL!