So, the Jacksonville Jaguars improve to 2-2 at Wembley, and more importantly, get their first win of the season. They join the Colts on 1-3 for the year, and return home with their prospects much improved. Thanks for joining me; keep an eye on our website for more reaction later on. Bye!
Positive vibes from the Jaguars on their fourth Wembley experiece, with Bortles saying “it feels good to come over here, and win over here, as well” and Robinson adding that this time, “it felt like a real home game”. If they keep winning here, you can’t help but think the logistical hurdles in the way of a move to London will keep falling away.
Final: Indianapolis Colts 27-30 Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s all over, and the Jaguars have held on to win a game they led 23-6 at the end of the third quarter. Another close finish, and another Jacksonville win, at Wembley Stadium.
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 0:02 Luck is crowded by the Jacksonville defence, and tripped by Sen’Derrick Marks before he can throw downfield. Fourth and 12, forty yards from field goal range, and the Colts are surely out of time...
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 0:19 The Colts, with no timeouts, start on their own 15-yard line. Ferguson picks up two yards before ducking out of bounds. Second and eight, still a long way for the Colts to travel...
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 0:38 Jacksonville run the ball, losing yards on the first couple of downs, and are left to punt from the halfway line. The Colts burn their last two timeouts, and will have around 30 seconds to pull something out of the fire...
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 1:31 Luck eyes his receivers, then spots Dwayne Allen, wide open in front of him... but Josh Johnson pulls off a superb defensive play, diving headlong to tip the ball away!
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 1:36 Luck finds Hilton in centre field, and the receiver sprints to the left touchline – but he’s a yard short of the first down. 4th and one – this is surely the game...
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 1:48 Luck’s throw to Ferguson is a little low, and falls incomplete. Second down, and Luck goes long to Dorsett again, but this time he’s covered. Third and ten, 20 yards to field goal range...
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 2:00 Luck launches another heatseeker downfield, picking out Chester Rogers for a gain of 23 yards. Two minute warning, the Colts on the verge of field goal range...
Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 2:31 The Colts use a timeout, but restrict Jacksonville to 3rd and seven – and Bortles’ attempted pass is tipped away! Fourth down, and the Jags will punt with plenty of time left.
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Colts 27-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 2:56 Rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey has had a solid game so far, but he made, well, a rookie mistake in letting Dorsett go. Three minutes left, three timeouts left for each team – and just a three-point gap. The Jaguars will restart on their own 18-yard line...
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Touchdown! Colts 27-30 Jaguars
...but the Jacksonville defence switch off, leaving receiver Phillip Dorsett wide open downfield – and Luck picks him out! That’s a 64-yard touchdown, and a slow-burning game has turned into a shootout.
Colts 20-30 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 3:41 Jacksonville dropping deep to limit Luck’s options – and he runs out of time on second down, sacked on his own 35-yard line...
The Jaguars were on the verge of slipping towards a defeat that would have dealt a knockout blow to their confidence, but for the second year in a row, Allen Hurns looks set to be the Wembley hero. Can the Colts respond?
Touchdown! Colts 20-30 Jaguars
Blake Bortles is under huge pressure to keep this drive going – and he keeps his composure to find Allen Hurns on the right. From 35 yards Hurns evades his man, shimmies infield and just keeps going, slaloming all the way to the end zone! The extra point is good, and that might be enough.
Colts 20-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 5:50 The Colts are a field goal away from forcing the first spell of overtime at Wembley – but Jacksonville make a decent start here, taking a big hit from Walden but firing the ball left to Yeldon, who picks up a first down near the halfway line.
The Guardian’s own Hunter Felt sums up the prevailing mood nicely:
LOL the Jaguars are gonna blow this.
— Hunter Felt (@HunterFelt) October 2, 2016
Touchdown! Colts 20-23 Jaguars
The hurry-up offense employed by the Colts since they fell 17 points down has kept the home team on the back foot defensively, but they see out the first two downs. Third and goal, and a pivotal moment – and Luck shows his class, waiting for Hilton to find a space before picking him out in the end zone. Vinatieri kicks the extra point. Game on...
Colts 13-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 8:20 Indianapolis are well within field goal range, and have to protect the ball at all costs. Luck darts through a gap, and another running back, Robert Turbin, grabs the first down. First and goal for the Colts...
Colts 13-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 9:55 Luck looks to Hilton again, this time along the right sideline – but it’s incomplete. On second down, the quarterback switches to Bray on the left – and Jacksonville’s Devon House holds him back! The Colts move up to the 15-yard line...
Colts 13-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 11:30 ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ rings around Wembley as the Colts line up for a crucial drive. Luck hands off to Josh Ferguson, stepping in for Gore – but he can only gain five yards on the first two downs. Luck finds Hilton 15 yards downfield, who doubles his receiving yardage for the day.
Colts 13-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 12:50 Another third and seven, and this time Bortles can’t find anyone upfield. He shakes his head as he trudges off, and the Jags have to punt. Quan Bray collects the punt, and runs it out to the 20-yard line despite taking a couple of hefty hits.
Colts 13-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 13:55 At the risk of stating the obvious, Jacksonville could do with a lengthy spell of possession here, to calm the nerves and chew time off the clock. They stutter to third and seven, before a cute chipped pass finds tight end Neal Sterling, who picks up a first down.
Touchdown! Colts 13-23 Jaguars
Frank Gore runs it in for his fourth ever touchdown at Wembley, Vinatieri kicks the extra point after a false start, and the Colts are back in this game.
Colts 6-23 Jaguars; fourth quarter, 14:50 Luck looks for Allen, who stoops to collect the ball, but is blocked by Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien. He does so illegally, however, and the Colts move up to the one-yard line. I’m not sure Allen would have got to that anyway...
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End of third quarter: Indianapolis Colts 6-23 Jacksonville Jaguars
The hosts add a couple of field goals in a scrappy quarter, but the Colts have a promising field position. Can Andrew Luck finally find a way through?
Colts 6-23 Jaguars; third quarter, 0:19 A rare defensive slip from Jacksonville, Dante Fowler false-starting to cut the Colts’ yardage on third down – and Luck finds Dwayne Allen for another first down...
Colts 6-23 Jaguars; third quarter, 1:20 Luck has thrown for 47 yards, no touchdowns and one interception, and has been sacked four times. Not a great day so far – but he connects with a big heave downfield to Chester Rogers! First down at the Jaguars’ forty-yard line...
Field goal! Colts 6-23 Jaguars
Myers does the necessary from 49 yards, and Jacksonville have added 16 points since the Colts’ last score...
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter, 2:55 Jacksonville have scored on their last three drives; if they can do so here, it’ll be a long way back for their opponents. Bortles fires towards Robinson on third down, but Rashaan Melvin does enough to stop the receiver from hauling it in. The Jags will go for a field goal...
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter, 4:10 Bortles is sacked on second down, linebacker Erik Walden getting to the quarterback, then jigging in celebration. The Jaguars can’t convert on third down, but go for it on fourth down – and Yeldon gets over the line!
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter, 6:30 Another penalty called against the Colts defense, with brilliantly named rookie Curt Maggitt hitting Blake Bortles on the floor. The Jags continue to run the ball to great effect, Chris Ivory sprinting into the Indianapolis half for a first down.
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter, 8:50 Jacksonville start on their own ten yard line, and Bortles fumbles, but gets an incomplete pass away. He hands off to Yeldon, who bursts through a gap in the Colts’ defensive line, and has to be hauled down by Mike Adams to prevent a breakaway touchdown.
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter, 9:45 The Jaguars challenge is successful, replays showing that Luck’s knee was down. The Colts will have to punt once again.
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter, 9:59 Linebacker Paul Posluszny gets to Luck and tries to haul him down – but he springs back up and picks out Jack Doyle, wide open down the sideline! The tight end runs all the way to the 15-yard line, but Jacksonville will challenge the call, believing Posluszny got Luck to the ground...
Colts 6-20 Jaguars; third quarter,10:48 Luck has tended to grow into games so far this season, but he continues to go to Gore on theit first drive of the second half. They battle to third and two, hoping to improve their record on third down today...
Field goal! Colts 6-20 Jaguars
The Jacksonville charge downfield stalls, but Myers is on hand to kick a 46-yarder and keep the scoreboard moving. The Jags now lead by two touchdowns.
Colts 6-17 Jaguars; third quarter,13:10 The Jaguars offense, organised by co-ordinator Greg Olsen, has varied their plays perfectly so far. This time Bortles picks out Rashad Greene for another first down, as they head into Colts territory.
Here we go again
The Colts kick off the second half, and Jacksonville have a chance to keep their attacking momentum going. Bortles goes long and almost picks out Robinson, and then finds Marqise Lee to pick up the first down.
Half-time reading: Tottenham’s new stadium is set to host London’s NFL games once it’s up and running – but could it become home to a permanent franchise? Dave Caldwell thinks it could work for all concerned:
Half time! Indianapolis Colts 6-17 Jacksonville Jaguars
A very good half for the home team at Wembley, who have picked up two touchdowns and stopped Colts quarterback Andrew Luck from finding his range. Indianapolis have struggled, leaking penalties late in the half, but there’s plenty of time. Back soon.
Field goal! Colts 6-17 Jaguars
Vontae Davis covers Robinson, leaving Bortles to fire a short pass to Lee, who is three yards from home. There’s no time for another try, and Myers comes in to kick a routine field goal.
Colts 6-14 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 0:07 Allen Robinson draws a pass interference call from Antonio Cromartie, handing Jacksonville their third first down on penalties. Somehow, the hosts have raced to field goal range – and they may pick up more, as Bortles finds Robinson ten yards out. Cromartie concedes yet another penalty, and it’s first and goal...
Colts 6-14 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 0:40 Jacksonville start with a touchback, and take a time out with time ticking down in the first half. Bortles picks out receiver Marqise Lee, then another defensive penalty – TJ Green conceding a 15-yard penalty. The Colts making hard work of seeing the half out...
Kiss cam comes up here, because America. First pair show up. Fella goes red and shouts: "No, it's my mum" #NFLUK
— Alan Smith (@alansmith90) October 2, 2016
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Colts 6-14 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 1:25 Indianapolis stall outside field goal range, with Luck goes long towards Hilton, who is able to escape cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but unable to connect with the overthrown pass. The Colts are forced to punt away.
Colts 6-14 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 2:00 A couple of injury concerns for Jacksonville, with Lewis hurt in taking that catch a few moments ago, and offensive lineman Luke Joeckel also hurt. Luck finds Hilton to move the Colts up to the halfway line, but Tyson Alualu gets to the quarterback for another sack – Jacksonville finding holes in the Colts’ inexperienced offensive line.
Touchdown! Colts 6-14 Jaguars
On first down, Bortles connects with Robinson, who spills the ball. The quarterback decides to take matters into his own hand, neatly sidestepping a tackle and strolling into the end zone.
Colts 6-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 4:13 From 20 yards out, Bortles heaves a pass towards Allen Robinson in the end zone – but he is held back by the Colts’ Patrick Robinson. Penalty flag, and first and goal for Jacksonville...
Colts 6-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 4:25 D’Qwell Jackson is penalised for a headfirst hit on Robinson, who is also flagged for ‘taunting’ Jackson after the play. The fouls cancel each other out, which seems harsh on Robinson. Bortles keeps his focus after a long wait, and picks out TE Marcedes Lewis, who takes the ball into the red zone.
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Colts 6-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 5:16 Cromartie concedes a holding penalty, allowing the Jaguars to move into their opponents’ half. Bortles continues to hustle for yards, then finds Robinson to pick up a first down 30 yards from the end zone.
Colts 6-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 7:00 Indianapolis have controlled the ball for 15 minutes, compared to just six for Jacksonville, who still hold the narrowest of leads. Bortles, again protected well by his offensive line, slides to within a yard of a first down.
Field goal! Colts 6-7 Jaguars
The Colts have repeatedly stumbled on offense, but the ever-reliable Vinatieri moves them to within a point with another field goal from distance. 49 yards this time, and his 33rd successful kick in a row.
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One thing that’s noticeable today is that, perhaps for the first time, the Jaguars feel like the home team at Wembley. They remain the most likely team to relocate, if a permanent London franchise becomes a reality.
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Colts 3-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 9:42 Rookie cornerback has kept Colts star receiver TY Hilton quiet so far, and Luck is still struggling to move the chains, despite edging into Jacksonville territory. They take a time out at third-and-six...
Colts 3-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 10:37 Ngakoue makes another key intervention for Jacksonville, breaking through a tackle to sack Luck. His hard work is undone by cornerback Davon House, penalised for a face mask grab to hand the Colts a fresh set of downs.
Colts 3-7 Jaguars; 2nd quarter, 12:45 Luck hasn’t been able to connect with his receivers downfield, and has seen his tight ends drop four passes already. Dwayne Allen does reel one in, and picks up a first down for the Colts.
End of first quarter: Indianapolis Colts 3-7 Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis will begin the second quarter from their own 30-yard line, still chasing the game after Allen Robinson’s early touchdown for the Jaguars.
Colts 3-7 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 0:12 The Jags begin near their own 25-yard line, and running back Chris Ivory is held up a couple of times, before an offensive penalty pushes them back to a daunting 2nd and 19. Bortles launches the ball straight at Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, and is lucky not to be picked off – but Jacksonville have too much to do, and are forced to punt.
Field goal! Colts 3-7 Jaguars
The Colts’ attack fizzles out, with Luck failing to find a pass, and they are forced to go for a field goal. Adam Vinatieri – who, by the way, is 43 – kicks the three points from 53 yards.
Colts 0-7 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 2:15 The Colts are missing key players in their offensive line, but the rookies who have come in are protecting Luck so far; the quarterback is able to scurry forward for another first down. And in predictable fashion, the line is blown apart on the next play, and Luck is sacked.
Colts 0-7 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 4:11 Another incomplete pass for Luck leaves the Colts at 3rd and four, but a quick throw to TY Hilton picks up another first down. He finds wide receiver Hilton again for another five yards, as Indianapolis creep deeper into Jacksonville territory.
Colts 0-7 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 6:05 Frank Gore, the Colts’ veteran running back, smashes his way to a first down, virtually on the halfway line. He’s in range of Marcus Allen and Marshall Faulk on the all-time rushing charts; pretty good company to keep.
Colts 0-7 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 8:08 Jacksonville, who have lost all three games, so far, have led for just 12 minutes all season. The Colts return the kick-off to the 35-yard line, and the Jags’ defence pick up two penalties, allowing Luck to inch his offence up the field.
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Touchdown! Colts 0-7 Jaguars
Jacksonville make it count at the first time of asking, Bortles stepping back and finding star wide receiver Allen Robinson, who gets away from Cromartie to give the hosts the lead. Jason Myers kicks the extra point.
Colts 0-0 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 8:32 Bortles moves out of the pocket and moves Jacksonville back within 20 yards of the end zone with a sharp run to the sideline. Yeldon follows suit, and is forced out of bounds just three yards short. 1st and goal for the Jaguars...
Colts 0-0 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 9:22 Bortles hand offs to running back TJ Yeldon, who breaks through the Colts’ line for a first down – but they lose ground after a holding call. 1st down, 20 yards to cover, and Jacksonville take a time out.
Colts 0-0 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 10:35 Defensive end Tyson Alualu is penalised for a face mask grab, gifting Luck a 15-yard headstart. The Colts QB finds Dwayne Allen in midfield, but the tight end spills the ball. 3rd and eight – and Luck is picked off by rookie defensive end Yannick Ngakoue! The Jags will take over on the Colts’ 24-yard line...
Colts 0-0 Jaguars; 1st quarter, 12.35 remaining Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles, deeply inconsistent so far this season, has the chance to make an early impression – but the Colts’ defensive line holds firm, and it’ll be another punt away.
Game time!
The Jags get the game under way, and Luck takes to the field. Some unfortunate BBC technical issues mean we can hear the touchline reporter complaining about noise, rather than the actual commentary. On the field, the Colts are three-and-out, and have to punt.
The Star Spangled Banner rings out, and most players are standing – with the notable exception of Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who kneels on the sideline with his right fist raised – in keeping with his promise to maintain his peaceful protest throughout the season.
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The Jaguars win the toss, and will kick off. Predictions? I’ll back the home team, against my better judgment, to get it done by a narrow margin.
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The Colts have made their way out at Wembley, to a muted response. Jacksonville, the designated ‘home’ team, enter to bigger cheers, through the mouth of a giant jaguar. Never knowingly understated – that’s the NFL.
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🚨🚨 30 MINUTES TO FOOTBALL!! 🚨🚨#NFLUK #INDvsJAX pic.twitter.com/zLB3SgH9ul
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2016
The pre-game festivities are well under way at a packed Wembley. This year’s musical warm-up act is... 2013’s Robin Thicke.
Wembley is hosting a rising NFL superstar today, in the shape of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. The No1 draft pick in 2012 also has a local connection – he spent three childhood years in London, living just off Finchley Road. He’s also shown (limited) acting chops in Indiana-based sitcom Parks & Recreation:
One big question around today’s game will be settled before it even kicks off – will we see more players take a knee for the US national anthem? Paolo Bandini has more on the NFL’s big off-field talking point:
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Preamble
Today marks something of a turning point for the NFL’s International Series, now in its tenth season. This is the 15th game, and the 15th at Wembley. That’s about to change, with games this season slated for Twickenham and Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, and a long-term residency at Tottenham’s new ground to follow. The NFL at Wembley could become a thing of the past as quickly as it has become a fixture, but the game’s global expansion is only going in one direction.
On the field, today’s teams are both seeking a turning point in their own fortunes. The 2016 version of Wembley regulars Jacksonville are a significant upgrade on the bottom feeders that have lost 3 of 4 home games here, but they’ve still started the year 0-3. AFC South rivals and London first timers Indianapolis are 1-2, and will be the first team to return to action Stateside without a bye week. Defeat for either team could be costly, while a win will ignite play-off hopes in a relatively weak, wide open division.
The game begins at 2.30pm BST; that’s an eye-watering 9.30am in Florida and Indiana.
