The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Indianapolis Colts on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.
It’s been a tale of two records for both teams as the Jaguars currently sit at 4-5 on the year, while the Colts are 5-4 this season. A win for the Jags will put them at the No. 2 spot in the AFC South with a great deal of control of their destiny heading forward.
This is a must-win game for the Jaguars and here are three ways that they can secure the victory against the Colts on Sunday:
1. Feed Leonard Fournette the ball
This one seems simple but it rings completely true.
Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette has been a force in the league ranking third in the AFC in rushing yards with 831, sitting only behind Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (1,011 yards) and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (832 yards).
The Colts struggle with high-usage running backs as they allow 4.4 yards a carry to running backs with 15 or more carries. The Colts are also ranked No. 15 overall against the rush, which is good for a 104.3 yard per game average, so Fournette should have opportunities.
Giving Fournette a high volume of carries also will ease Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles into things after an eight-week hiatus that was a result of the collarbone injury he sustained Week 1.
2. Containing Marlon Mack on the ground
On the other side, the Jaguars need to do everything possible to contain Colts running back Marlon Mack.
The Colts have been persistent on force-feeding Mack the ball as he has 106 rushing attempts for 415 yards and a touchdown throughout his last five games. However, he isn’t a primary focus in the passing game as he only has 12 receptions on the entire year for 76 yards.
The Jaguars have not been sharp in their rush defense as they rank No. 28 in opponent yards per carry, giving up 4.9 yards per play in the category.
Limiting Mack’s heavy usage could go a long way in preventing the defense from getting completely gashed on long runs, which is Something that the Jaguars have struggled with this season.
3. Get constant pressure on Jacoby Brissett, force him to move
The Jaguars will have to get to Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett early and often if they are to have any chance in this game.
The Jaguars’ defense as a group has been on fire this season ranking fifth in the league in sacks with 30.
Getting to Brissett will be just as crucial as he will be without his top pass catcher in wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who has been ruled out due to a calf injury according to the Colts’ official team injury report.
Without Hilton, Colts tight end Eric Ebron and wide receiver Zach Pascal would serve as the team’s top pass-catching options. Pascal is still highly unproven while productive and Ebron has struggled with drops. The Jaguars’ defense could take advantage of these personnel struggles with consistent edge pressure and forcing Brissett to move around in the pocket. Brissett is not known for being a very speedy quarterback and he could especially be limited coming off of a knee injury.
What are some other ways that the Jaguars can get the win against the Colts? Follow the Jags Wire on Twitter and Facebook and let us know! Also, follow Robert Ricks on Twitter for more Jaguars news and discussion!
