The Jacksonville Jaguars have found themselves on a quest to reach .500 again and keep their playoff hopes alive. They will be in pretty good shape as far as health goes heading into Week 11’s game against the Indianapolis Colts after coming off their bye week and only having one player on their final injury report.
However, with Sunday’s game being against their divisional rivals in the Indianapolis Colts, acquiring a victory won’t be easy by any means. To help us get a little insight on the Jags’ longtime rivals, I reached out to my good friend Arden Franklyn of Colts Wire. Below are four burning questions he was kind enough to answer on Indy, which is now just a game ahead of the Jags with a 5-4 record.
Jags Wire: How has life for the Colts been minus Andrew Luck? Obviously, he was the face of the franchise, but the Colts still have found themselves with a decent record.
Arden Franklyn: It’s definitely been different, to say the least. While a portion of this fan/media base hadn’t drastically changed their expectations for the Colts, there was still a drop in that area/confidence in the team. As for on the field, Luck’s absence is bigger because of what it does for the offense. Without No. 12, to carry the load and make those Superman-like plays, the Colts truly have to play like a team and depend on all 11 starters and role players to do their jobs.
JW: How has Jacoby Brissett fared as the starter? Also, do you think drafting a quarterback is on the table in 2020?
AF: JB7 has been very solid as the Colts’ starter in 2019. I say this because the N.C. State product has shown the ability to win in various ways, whether it’s managing the game or carrying the load. At one point, (Brissett) was top-five in touchdown passes across the league. As for drafting another quarterback, I do see that happening, but when? I don’t know. It really depends on (Brissett’s) success.
JW: Despite Luck’s decision to retire, the Colts organization seems to have the pieces in place to still be good. Do you think they can catch the Titans for first the division?
AF: I definitely believe we can catch up and win the division. With a better stretch of health and the coaching staff actually improving its game plan, the Colts are capable of running off a few wins in a row.
JW: Who are some under-the-radar names to watch on both sides of the ball for Indy?
AF: On offense, definitely look out for wide receiver Zach Pascal. The second-year pro has had his share of big games this year and is quickly dealing with the burden of being a No. 1 receiver. As for defense, I would say DB Marvell Tell III. The rookie from USC has started the last two games and he’s only getting better. In fact, Tell might be playing better than our other rookie CB/higher draft pick, Rock Ya-Sin.
