The Jacksonville Jaguars got their first victory of the 2022 season when they beat Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. That day, the Jags scored 24 points while their AFC South foes weren’t able to find the end zone even once.
But things have changed since then. Jacksonville is currently riding a two-game losing streak while Indy has hoarded two wins in the last three weeks. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor met with the local media Thursday and acknowledged that even though both clubs “have a good feel for their personnel, their schemes and how they want to play, their last encounter won’t have a bearing into Week 6.
“We can’t go back and say, ‘well, we did this in Week 2, this is going to work again'”, Taylor said. “You got to watch the tape. You got to understand how they’ve evolved in a new scheme as well, and where they’re at now in Week 6”.
“And everybody understanding our opponent, they’ve made some personnel adjustments as they’ve gone with people. They’ve had injuries up and down. In the back end with personnel”, Taylor said.
Taylor is right. The Colts will try to make as many adjustments in order to avoid a season sweep. Moreover, the rematch will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, so the Jaguars will have to deal with the home crown. Still, Jacksonville has enough talent to bounce back and get back in the win column. With that in mind, here are five bold for Week 6.
The Jaguars will have a 50% efficiency rate on 3rd downs in Week 6
The Jaguars had no trouble moving the ball against the Houston Texans in first and second down but that’s because they gain yards in chunks. But they struggled to convert on third downs, going 6-of-14, and they were even worse on fourth down, going 0-3.
Sure, the Jags weren’t able to do much once they reach the Texans’ end zone but more success on third and fourth downs against the Colts will result in more scoring opportunities. Jacksonville will cut down on the number of drops and penalties and field a more efficient offense in Week 6, which lead to more success on third and fourth downs.
4. Josh Allen and Travon Walker will combine for 3 sacks vs. the Colts
The Jaguars’ defense was picking up sacks and turnovers at a high rate early in the offseason but they’ve slowed down the last two games. Coincidentally, they lost both contests. The offense hasn’t done its part but defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell certainly has room for improvement.
Rookie outside linebacker Travon Walker had one sack and an interception in the opener but has been quiet, at least on the stat sheet, in recent weeks. Against the Texans, he picked up a roughing the passer penalty, something he has acknowledged and will grow from.
The Jags’ pass rush will be at full steam in Indianapolis and Walker and fellow outside linebacker will combine for three sacks.
3. Jaguars WR Christian Kirk will post season highs in yards and receptions
Wide receiver Christian Kirk got the spotlight after catching a combined 12 passes for 195 yards with two touchdowns in the first two weeks of the 2022 season. He then added 72 yards on six receptions against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. But he’s cooled down since then and has only hauled in three receptions for 71 yards on 12 targets in the last two weeks.
Kirk already had success against the Colts’ secondary, so there’s no reason to think not only that he will bounce back from a quiet two-week stretch but also that he will tally a season-high seven catches and log more than 100 receiving yards in the rematch.
2. The Jaguars’ defense will hold the Colts to less than 300 total yards
Again, Week 2 has no bearing on the Jaguars’ upcoming matchup but there are several reasons to think that the Jaguars’ defense can once again keep Indy’s offense in check even if linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is unavailable.
For starters, running back Jonathan Taylor is dealing with an ankle injury and even if he’s good to go, he might not be 100 percent. Moreover, the Colts are winning in spite of Matt Ryan, who has failed to bring stability to the Colts’ quarterback position. Jacksonville won’t be able to shut out Indy this time but they won’t let them move the ball with ease either.
1. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence will bounce back (at last) vs. the Colts
Fans are growing impatient with Trevor Lawrence and it’s easy to understand their frustration. Wins have been hard to come by the last four years and the Jaguars haven’t had much continuity at quarterback.
On the other hand, it’s easy to forget the former Clemson Tiger is barely going to make his 23rd start. He’s definitely made mistakes, some worse than others, but he’s also made several throws the Gardner Minshews and the Mike Glennons of the world wish they could pull off in their sleep.
Sure, Lawrence played a huge role in all of the Jaguars’ losses this season but he’s the kind of player that learns from his mistakes and will become better because of them. He will make strides against the Colts and throw for 300 yards with a couple of touchdowns and no interceptions.