JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Indianapolis hadn't won in Duval since 2014.
This year was no different.
Facing a must-win situation entering Sunday, the Colts fell victim to their string of unlucky trips to Jacksonville.
From the start, the Jaguars played with more intensity — more passion — than the then-playoff bound Colts.
Trevor Lawrence had one of his best performance in his young career, going 23-for-32 with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
But the true champion was Jacksonville's defense, coming away with turnovers, sacks and pressuring Carson Wentz into bad decisions throughout the day.
Wentz finished the game 17-for-29 for 185 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but had several questionable decisions — decisions that helped lead to the Colts being eliminated from playoff contention in the Jaguars' 26-11 upset.
"It's a bad feeling," Wentz said on failing to make the playoffs. "A completely bad feeling knowing that we were in control. Being in control of our destiny the last two weeks and we couldn't do it done. It's definitely left a bad taste in our mouth and in a lot of guys mouth"
The Jaguars had six sacks and 10 quarterback hits, imposing their will against a Colts offensive line that has two Pro Bowlers on it.
They limited Jonathan Taylor to 77 yards on 15 carries. which is the first time that the MVP candidate has had less than 100 yards since Oct. 31 against the Titans.
It was a stunning performance from a team that had little to play for, versus a team that had everything to play for.
"I wish I could put my finger on it," linebacker Darius Leonard said on why the Colts came out so flat on Sunday. "I just don't know. I just feel like, you know, they came out swinging and you know, we just got hit in the mouth."
Leonard had tears in his eyes by the end of his availability, the sting of falling just short of the mark hitting him as he reflected over his season.
He wasn't the only Colts player that was at a loss for words. Long-time Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton might've played his final game in a Colts uniform. There's been a constant throughout his career: when it comes to playing in Jacksonville, the Colts have struggled mightily.
"We didn't play Colts football," the 10-year veteran said after the game. "They dominated us on every end today. I don't know what it is down here, they just keep on dominating us every time we come down here."
The Colts drift into the postseason with a host of questions and very few answers. If they could've won one of their final two games, they would be playing in the playoffs next week. Instead, they allowed the most points Jacksonville has scored all season and scored a season low themselves.
While it was Jaguars fans that showed up in clown attire, the joke was on the Colts in the end.
