The Colts play host to the pesky Jaguars this week, as the pair renews its bitter rivalry for the 2006 campaign. It’s even getting a little bit of play nationally, previously Colt-Jaguar tilts have been considered somewhat of afterthoughts. Not sure why, even going back to 2003, the underdog Jags seemed to play Indy tooth and nail.
And they still do. Rumor also has it that the Jags despise the Colts. (Though this may be a result of their coaching — Jack Del Rio prides fierce motivation over heady competence in games; this often manifests itself in numerous penalties or bonehead plays by the Teal. Right, former Colt Mike Peterson?) And maybe they don’t like the Horseshoes, but that’s the reality of the AFC South. The Colts have been on top, just like the Titans before them. Now the Jags — only separated, really, by a game from Indy last season — hope to hurl themselves over the hump, not tossing an end-of-game I-N-T in the Dome as they did last season.)
Can they do it?
Sure. Fred Taylor, when healthy, has given Indy fits, and the front seven of the Colts hasn’t quite gelled as fast as last year. This could be a problem. Byron Leftwich is an accurate passer and skilled QB – but it’s been David Garrard who has hurt the Colts more in recent past. As previously, Leftwich’s immobility should play right into the Colts’ D-Line’s hands — doubtful that a brainiac like Jack Del Rio will alter the game plan to take advantage of the Colts’ weaknesses (Maybe he’ll rely on Mike – giggle - Tice for help). The Jags’ wideouts aren’t anything special, Matt Jones could be trouble, but even the diminutive Colts’ secondary can handle Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford. (They don’t still have R.Jay Soward, do they? Kidding.).
Jax’ defense is tough, but that’s nothing new. Last season the Teal flummoxed Indy at home, holding the Colts to only 10, but Peyton (again, I’ll give him credit when it’s due) solved them completely at Alltel. Joe Addai and Dom Rhodes haven’t exactly set the world on fire, but Indy’s adaptable offense should be able to solve even a stout Jacksonville defense. Throw in a couple jacked-up key defensive penalties from our nemesis, and it’s easy to see Indy’s offense rolling.
I think the Colts win — but if you’re betting the spread, I’d think hard about the Jags, if only because Fred Taylor is healthy and Indy’s defense isn’t where the Colts want it. But they’ll survive, and move on.
