Big Cat Country
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t comfortable. But it’s still a win. Jacksonville fans call them “the Cardiac Cats” for a reason. On Sunday, the Jaguars flirted with danger, gave away multiple scoring opportunities via two red zone turnovers and a turnover on downs inside the 25. But when the team needed a late play, the Jaguars slammed the door shut. With Sunday’s win, the Jaguars control their own destiny, with the ability to clinch the AFC South title in week 18, at home against the Tennessee Titans. Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s Week 17 23-17 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Live blog:
Catch up on all the big plays and best moments from tonight’s game in our live blog!
Pregame Notes:
Both teams entered the matchup dealing with injuries in the trenches, missing their starting Center and Right Guard. For Jacksonville, RG Patrick Mekari (back) and C Robert Hainsey (groin) were both ruled out due to injuries, with Walker Little and seventh-round rookie Jonah Monheim starting in their respective spots. This was Monheim’s second career start. RB Bhayshul Tuten (finger) was again inactive as he recovers from his finger injury suffered against the New York Jets.
DL Danny Striggow (ankle) was also inactive after missing Week 16. Recently signed CB Keith Taylor joined TE Hunter Long and DT Maason Smith (for consecutive weeks) as healthy scratches.
Indianapolis starting C Tanor Bortolini (concussion) and RG Dalton Tucker (shoulder) were both unable to participate, coming off a short week, with the Colts eliminated from postseason competition. Additionally, All-Pro DT DeForest Buckner was placed on IR this week. CB Sauce Gardner made his return from a three-week absence due to a calf injury.
First Half
Indianapolis kicked off the matchup with an explosive 53-yard kick return, followed by an efficient, eight-play 29-yard drive (converting two first downs) before stalling in the red zone. Anthony Campanile’s defense held the Colts to a 33-yard field goal to begin the scoring. (Jaguars 0, Colts 3)
The Jacksonville opened the day with Lawrence and the passing game going 6 of 6 for 61 yards (with completions to five different receivers), moving into the Colts’ red zone. Jacksonville unsuccessfully attempted a hook and ladder. Travis Etienne lost control of the lateral, with Indianapolis recovering the redzone fumble. The Colts, again, efficiently worked down the field on a 15-play, 83-yard touchdown drive, converting on three out of three third downs. (Jaguars 0, Colts 10)
The Jaguars offense answered with another double-digit play drive into the Colts’ redzone with Lawrence completing five of his six attempts on the drive for 38 yards, with Lawrence rushing the final play in from four yards. Through two drives, Lawrence was 11/12 for 99 yards and a rushing touchdown. (Jaguars 7, Colts 10)
The Jacksonville defense hunkered down on the Colts’ third possession, buoyed by two near-interceptions from Cornerback Montaric Brown. Following the Indianapolis punt, the Colts’ defense turned up the heat, hitting Lawrence on multiple dropbacks (their seventh QB...
