Jarrian Jones shifted momentum with big play in Jaguars' win vs. Colts

More often than not, playmakers rise to the occasion when the game is on the line, and that's precisely what cornerback Jarrian Jones did for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Tied 17-17, Indy had possession in its territory. Based on the success Philip Rivers had through the game, nobody would have batted an eye if he had carved the Jacksonville secondary. But Jones was having none of it and went on to pick Rivers off, effectively halting the Colts' comeback attempt.

When you take into account just how close the game was, Jones' interceptions were arguably one of the top plays of the 23-17 win.

Jarrian Jones' pick allowed the Jaguars to get ahead

The Jaguars defense gave up several big plays throughout the game but also made enough stops to help Jacksonville leave Lucas Oil Stadium with a win. Jarrian Jones most definitely did his part, giving up just one reception on three targets for seven yards and registering one interception.

Following the game, head coach Liam Coen talked about how much of an impact Jones has had this season, noting that he's earned his coaches' and teammates' trust. Here's the skinny.

"Again, I'm so proud of him. He has earned so much trust from not just the players, his teammates, but coaches, staff," Coen told reporters (21:00 mark). "Every time he's out there, you just feel him. You know? You feel him at practice, you feel him in the walkthroughs, you feel him. And I'm very appreciative of Jarrian the way that he's continued to battle and make plays for our team."

For his part, Jones says he plays for his teammates, noting that he's also trying to have as much fun as possible (7:21 mark).

"I just try to be there for my teammates. You go on the road, saying kind of pack your own engine, I just try to be after my guys. Home away, no matter what we're playing that I'm saying I have a lot of fun playing this game, and I try to show it by the way that I play. And I don't want nobody look at how I play and be like, he's kind of like slacking or nothing like that, when I always be there for my team, for my teammates next week, be going in the bank," Jones said.

Before the Colts game, Jourdan Lewis was placed on Injured reserve with a foot injury. His absence paved the way for Jones to man the slot the remainder of the regular season and a huge portion of the playoffs.

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Jarrian Jones gives the Jaguars a game-changer at nickel

For the season, Jones has recorded three interceptions. What makes his recent success more impressive is that he was a starter early in the season but was benched after a handful of underwhelming outings. Some of his struggles were due to the fact that he mostly played in the boundaries despite the fact that he's better suited to play in the slot. However, the former Florida Seminole eventually got another chance when Jourdan Lewis was shut down for the remainder of the year.

Lewis mostly lines up at nickel, so Jones was his natural replacement. Not surprisingly, he's looked much better in the slot, and his interception against the Colts is proof of it.

The bottom line is that losing Jourdan Lewis was a huge blow, but Jarrian Jones is doing his part to soften the blow.