AFC South Power Rankings: Jaguars hold top spot after win vs. Colts in Week 6
• They can wide their lead with a win vs. the Saints
3. AFC South Ranking Post-Week 6: Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
The Indianapolis Colts were expected to show up at EverBank Field and compete for the top spot in the AFC South. However, they proved to be no match for a Jaguars team that has gained steam the last three weeks. Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss were supposed to pound the ball and wear Jacksonville down but they only mustered a combined 40 rushing yards between the two. Their underwhelming outing wasn't their fault though.
The Colts' offensive line got manhandled and had no answer for Jacksonville's defensive front. The Jags consistently kept seven players in the box and forced Gardner Minshew to beat them through the air.
Not gonna spend a lot of time on this, but just to tie up a loose end... C Ryan Kelly and others talked about how the Jags stubbornly played a 7-man front, which impacted the Colts' decision to throw so heavily. Case in point: This is the 3rd play from scrimmage: https://t.co/mjbXoEgJfJ pic.twitter.com/b1HaOmAIeG
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 16, 2023
Their strategy paid off. Although Minshew gained yards in chunks, Indy's offense stalled more often than not and it wasn't until the fourth quarter that they scored their first touchdown. By then the game was out of reach.
The score was 31-13 after the Colts reached the end zone and any potential attempt at a a comeback was futile. Simply, the Jaguars knew what to expect from the Colts offense and executed. They forced four turnovers and brought Minshew down three times.
Granted, the Colts also registered three sacks and one interception but they couldn't capitalize on them. At 3-3, Indianapolis isn't out of the division race just yet but it won't be easy to catch up with the Texans and Jacksonville. Especially, when you take into account that they'll next face a stout Cleveland Browns defense that doesn't let opponents move the ball.