The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 37-20 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6 had a few speed bumps, but was never really in doubt.
After a three-play span in the second quarter flipped a three-point deficit into a double-digit lead for the Jaguars, the Colts were never again within 11 points.
Indianapolis scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter thanks to some deep passing, and the Jaguars offense had some late miscues that made things dicier than it needed to be late. A knee injury for Trevor Lawrence in the final minutes left a sour taste too, even if it doesn’t appear serious.
Still, the positives out-weighed the negatives for Jacksonville in a one-sided drubbing of a divisional opponent. So the studs way out-number the duds in this week’s edition:
Stud - Bob Sutton's "think takeaways"
The Jaguars defense made turnovers their mantra all offseason and they’ve continued to make takeaways happen. Gardner Minshew threw three interceptions against the Jacksonville secondary and Josh Allen got a strip sack that was recovered by Angelo Blackson.
Stud - LBs Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd
The duo of Oluokun and Lloyd combined for 24 tackles against a Colts offense that (unsuccessfully) tried to dink and dunk their way into forcing the Jaguars to do something different on defense. The combo of linebackers are the biggest reason why Jacksonville never had to make a change.
Stud - RB Travis Etienne Jr.
It was tough sledding for Etienne in the run game, especially after Brandon Scherff left with an ankle injury. He still banged and pinball’d his way to 55 rushing yards, including two first half touchdowns. Etienne also added another 28 yards on three receptions.
Dud - Jaguars' play-calling late
Look, it’s not easy to milk the clock if you’re struggling to run block. I get it. But why on Earth is Trevor Lawrence rolling left on a third down with three minutes left in a game the Jaguars are leading by 14? Even if a Jaguars running back was stuffed for a short loss, Brandon McManus would have an easy field goal to improve the team’s lead to 17 points.
Stud - DC Mike Caldwell
The Colts moved down the field with nine straight completions on their opening drive before they were forced to settle for a short field goal. They gave the Jaguars every reason to make a change on defense that would free up other things for Indianapolis. But Mike Caldwell stayed cool and trusted that the Colts couldn’t do it all day. He was right.
Dud - Jaguars' injury luck
A week after losing Zay Jones and Walker Little to ankle injuries, the Jaguars added Tyson Campbell, Brandon Scherff, and Trevor Lawrence to their list of concerns. The good news is that none of those problems seemed that serious, as all three players were back on the sideline with pads on. But that’s a lot of key contributors who are less than 100 percent.
Stud - OLB Josh Allen
Josh Allen recorded 9 pressures and a sack in 37 matchups against Bernhard Raimann, tied for the most pressures allowed in a pass rushing matchup this season.
Allen leads the NFL with 32 pressures this season, entering the afternoon slate.#INDvsJAX | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/gw9N3Bo3xF
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 15, 2023
Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann missed the last two games due to a concussion, but made his return to the lineup. It was not an easy assignment in his first game back. Josh Allen ate him up for nine pressures, including a second quarter strip sack.
Stud - TE Evan Engram
Evan Engram had to admire his hand after this crazy catch. @EazyEngram
📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/akTnr5X6ZB— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
Engram still hasn’t scored a touchdown this season, but he’s done just about everything else. That now includes an incredible one-handed grab and hurdling a defender.
