A new week means another game for the Indianapolis Colts coming up Sunday. Following their two consecutive losses, the Colts are attempting to get back on track when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in this big divisional matchup.
Among many reasons, the former AFC South leader has struggled in recent weeks, it was their loss of starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett which impacted them the most. The NC State product led the Colts to a 5-2 record and at one point and was a top-five leader in passing touchdowns before suffering a knee injury against the Steelers in Week 9.
Brissett’s importance to this team was evident last weekend when the Colts’ offense struggled mightily against the previously one-win Miami Dolphins in their 16-12 loss. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was responsible for three interceptions and looked incapable of getting the job done.
Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 11 bout against the Jaguars:
RB Leonard Fournette vs. Colts’ defensive front seven
Amongst all of the skill players known on the Jaguars’ offense, one player who could and should receive the most attention from the Colts, is Leonard Fournette. The LSU product is on pace to have his best season ever to the tune of 831 rushing yards (sixth in the NFL) and a yards per carry average of 4.8.
Even though the Jaguars haven’t featured Fournette as much in recent weeks (30 combined carries in Weeks 9-10), this could be the game where they do so. So far this season, the Jaguars are 2-1 when their third-year running back receives at least 20 rushing attempts and in return, Fournette averaged 154 rushing yards per game.
Regardless of what the Jaguars’ plans are for Fournette, the Colts’ defensive front seven needs to quickly contain him in order to eliminate big plays and favorable down and distances.
QB Nick Foles vs. DB’s Rock Ya-Sin and Marvell Tell III
While highlighting this specific matchup, which is obvious to many, we could witness some interesting developments during its course on Sunday. I say this because, in preparation for this game against the Jaguars, the Colts likely prepared for both of their quarterbacks in Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew II.
Even though GMII did a solid job at keeping the Jaguars competitive, this team’s best chance to win is tied to the health of Foles. When healthy, the former Super Bowl MVP possesses the top-notch arm talent and intelligence to beat any defense and as crazy as this might sound, Foles is the “toughest” matchup in recent memory for the Colts’ young secondary.
But if you’ve been watching Ya-Sin and Tell play since Week 9, then your confidence in them has to be going up. They’ve been limiting the number of penalties called against them, haven’t surrendered many big plays, and most importantly, they’re staying healthy.
QB Jacoby Brissett vs. Jaguars’ defensive line
Anytime a starting quarterback returns from injury, it’s a blessing but you’re still mindful of how they’re coming back and who they’ll be in their return. After deciding at the last minute to sit Jacoby Brissett last weekend, the Colts have brought their QB1 back in the fold, as the Jaguars and their defensive line have plans to spoil his return.
If there’s anything that’s been consistent about this particular divisional rival, it’s their pass rush. Over the last three seasons, the Jaguars have become one of the league leaders in sacks and quarterback hits and their reputation has stayed the same this season. Their current total of 30 sacks is only six behind the league leader (Carolina Panthers).
The Colts will have to do everything possible to keep Brissett clean in his return on Sunday, as the Jaguars’ pass rush can attack them from all angles. Rookie Josh Allen is a menace on the edge (seven sacks) and between the tackles, Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, and Dawuane Smoot (13.5 combined sacks) will have linemen fighting for their lives.
