Jaguars sweep Colts in 2023: 3 takeaways from the Jacksonville dominant win in Week 6

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had no trouble beating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6. In fact, the game wasn't as close as the 37-20 score may indicate. Not only did the Jags manage to keep their winning streak at EverBank Stadium alive but they also swept their division foes, a feat they hadn't pulled off since 2017.

Early in the game, it looked like the Colts were going to give Jacksonville fits. Their offense marched down 65 yards on their first drive and the Jags seemingly had no answer. However, they quickly woke up and limited Indy to just a field goal. Things went downhill for the Colts after that drive.

Their offense could no longer move the ball with ease and the Jaguars' defense registered four turnovers (three interceptions and one forced fumble). Looking back, the Colts' opening possession was an outlier and not the sign of things to come.

The Jags went on to win the game and are now in sole possession of the top spot in the AFC South. Here are three takeaways from the game.

3. Jetlag was no issue for the Jaguars in Week 6

One concern following the Jaguars' win over the Buffalo Bills was whether they would have any jetlag following a 10-day trip to London. Looking at their performance in Week 6, it was no issue at all. There were no crucial mistakes or lack of execution. In fact, you wouldn't be able to tell Jacksonville had played overseas based on the final score of the game.

Last year, the Jags beat the Las Vegas Raiders after returning from London. They did it again this season. Moving forward, other clubs will most likely follow Jacksonville's blueprint for traveling.

2. Travis Etienne, the Jaguars running game was clicking for the 2nd straight week

Trevor Lawrence was somewhat unremarkable against the Colts but he didn't need to carry the team on his shoulders thanks to running back Travis Etienne, who had another productive outing for the second week in a row.

Lawrence had a modest game, going 20-of-30 for 181 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. His pick came when the game was already out of reach for the Colts, so it didn't really hurt the Jags. Meanwhile, Etienne toted the rock 18 times for 55 yards with two touchdown runs. The scores were nearly back-to-back.

After Etiene's first touchdown, the Colts got the ball but the Jags quickly recovered on the first play. Then, the former Clemson Tiger took a trip to the end zone on a 22-yard run.

Etienne's total yardage may not necessarily pop off the statsheet but his back-to-back touchdowns gave the Jags a huge momentum swing. On top of that, he generally gained positive yardage and kept drives alive. He also had a clutch run on fourth-and-1 early in the game that helped the Jags move the chains.

Tank Bigsby and D'Ernest Johnson also had their chances and both of them converted for first downs. During the Jaguars' two-game losing skip, they couldn't get the running game going but their execution has been much better since then. The past two games, they had a total of 301 rushing yards and they added another 85 against the Colts.

The Jags will eventually need to lean on Trevor Lawrence's arm to win games but they should feel good knowing they can also run the ball.

1. Gardner Minshew didn't catch a break vs. the Jaguars defense

Minshew Mania seems like a distant memory but Gardner Minshew was such a spark for the Jaguars in 2019 that his return to EverBank Stadium was one of the biggest storylines surrounding the game. Taking over for Anthony Richardson, who could potentially be out for the season with a shoulder, Minshew faced his old team in Week 6 and he fell flat.

Even though the Colts' offense got off to a solid start, advancing 65 yards on their opening drive, the Jaguars defense gave up just a field goal. It wasn't until the third quarter that Indianapolis scored their first touchdown of the game. Leaving aside, their first possession, the Colts didn't have much offensive success. The Jaguars defense deserves lots of credit though. The unit had four takeaways and didn't give Minshew nor the Indianapolis running game room to breath.

Outside linebacker Josh Allen had a strip sack that defensive end Angelo Blackson recovered and K'Lavon Chaisson registered his second sack of the year. For their part, cornerback Darious Williams, and safeties Rayshawn Jenkins and Andre Cisco all had an interception.

Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss were non-factors. The pair were supposed to give the Jags' front four a headache and help Indy win the possession battle but instead had less than 50 yards on the ground.

In the second half, the Jags allowed the Colts to score a couple of touchdowns. But by then, the game was already out of reach. They stopped them when it mattered the most and when Indy attempted a comeback, it was too late.

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