Nobody would have batted an eye if the Jacksonville Jaguars dealt with growing pains while they figured things out in Year 1 of the Liam Coen era. However, they've exceeded expectations. Already, they're 8-4 and have a realistic chance to win the AFC South. Of course, nothing is set in stone, and with five games left in the season, the Jags need to keep winning. Next on the schedule are the Indianapolis Colts.
Like Jacksonville, the Colts have an 8-4 record. However, they lost three of their last four games, and quarterback Daniel Jones is playing with a leg injury. Couple that with the fact that the game will be at EverBank Stadium, a venue where Indianapolis hasn't won a game in more than 10 years, and the Jaguars will have a favorable matchup.
With this in mind, here are three observations for the Week 14 matchup.
What kind of workload will the Jaguars give Brian Thomas Jr.?
After missing three games with an ankle sprain, Brian Thomas Jr. returned in Week 13. He only had two receptions for 28 yards on three targets, but that was mostly due to the fact that Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyer became Trevor Lawrence's most trusted targets during his absence.
Washington is questionable for the Colts game with a hip injury, though, so even if he plays, he may not be 100 percent. That could lead to an uptick in snaps for Thomas. And that's the thing, it's possible that he didn't get as many looks against the Tennessee Titans because the coaching staff wanted to bring him along slowly. If that was the case, the 2024 first-round pick could have a bigger role in Week 14.
The Jaguars could hold Travon Walker out vs. the Colts
Aside from Parker Washington, Travon Walker got the questionable designation. He sat out the past two games with a knee injury and hadn't practiced until this week. It looks like he's trending in the right direction, and he could make his return when Jacksonville faces the Colts. However, the former Georgia Bulldog doesn't have to be rushed back into action.
After all, Josh Hines-Allen and the rookie tandem of Danny Striggow and B.J. Green II have done just fine without Walker. Of course, they would want him back, but it doesn't make sense for him to play if he's not 100 percent. So don't be surprised if the 2022 first-round pick returns until Week 15.
Are the Jaguars are up to the moment?
As noted before, the Colts are struggling, and Daniel Jones isn't their only prominent player dealing with injuries. Cornerback Sauce Gardner is dealing with a calf strain and has been ruled out for the game. Coupled with their losing skid at the Bank, the Jaguars should have no trouble coming out on top, but will they?
The Jaguars have proved to be resilient under Liam Coen and managed to win close games. That's why the fact that Indianapolis is the favorite for this game shouldn't be overlooked. Now, odds don't define the outcome of the game, but the fact that bettors think the Colts can prevail should put Jacksonville on high alert.
If the Jaguars do seize the opportunity, everyone will feel good about their chances of making the postseason.