JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars’ 36-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in a 2025 Week 14 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday.

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Ready for the moment. Make no mistake: This was a big game, a big moment. Make no mistake about this, either: The Jaguars were more than ready for that moment, responding with one of their most impressive performances of this season – and in recent memory. "Our guys have responded so many ways in these big games," Head Coach Liam Coen said. He's right, and on Sunday they not only kept Colts running back Jonathan Taylor – the NFL's rushing leader – from coming remotely close to dominating the game, they forced three takeaways as the defense continued its mid-to-late-season surge. The Jaguars offensively took advantage of opportunities with key plays in key moments, scoring touchdowns on their first-three red-zone possessions and turning the Colts' two first-half turnovers into touchdowns. They ran effectively and hit multiple big plays at key moments in the passing game, handling this huge moment like that they undoubtedly are – an improving, growing team that is well-deserving of its status as an AFC contender. This was the fourth time in franchise history the Jaguars have played a division game featuring two teams four games over .500 and the first time the franchise has won such a game. Yes, this was big. Really big. And the Jaguars responded in big, big way. Impressive stuff.
2. Impressive behind center. Perhaps Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has played better games in his five NFL seasons, but Sunday unquestionably ranks among his best – and the thought here is it's yet another in a series of recent signs that he is developing and maturing rapidly into a front-line quarterback. "Trevor played great today," wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. said. Lawrence on Sunday completed 17 of 30 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns with 0 interceptions. If those numbers don't jump out as Player of the Week-worthy, consider that he did not commit a turnover in wet, sloppy conditions – and consider, too, that Lawrence repeatedly found wide receivers Thomas and Tim Patrick for the explosive plays this offense has lacked throughout much of the season. Those plays came at key times, allowing the Jaguars to gain and maintain momentum as they pulled away steadily in the first half, then maintained a 15-point lead throughout the second. Lawrence afterward called Sunday the Jaguars' best downfield passing game of the season. He was right. It also may have been his best game in a long time – and it couldn't have come in a bigger situation.

Brian Sexton, Senior Correspondent…

1. The AFC South is within your grasp, Jaguars, can you finish it? Sunday's victory plus the Achilles injury to Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones may be the straw that breaks the Colts' back. The Jaguars lead the Colts by one game in the AFC South, but the Colts are headed to Seattle with Riley Leonard at quarterback Sunday, then play host to the San Francisco 49ers before the Jaguars see them for the second time. The Colts are officially in freefall and could be out of the picture by the time the teams play in Indianapolis in Week 17. The Jaguars must keep winning because the Houston Texans are just a game behind, and the Texans' schedule is manageable –especially with their defense. What a season already from Coen and Co. and there is still a month to play.
2. Lawrence hasn't been the same since that third interception in Arizona. Pick a throw, any throw from Sunday. Two over-the-shoulder beauties to Thomas, the touchdown to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers feathered over the hands of the defender, the third-down naked rollout in the fourth quarter to Patrick. He has been so good in two games since an overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals, with four touchdown passes and no turnovers – plus he has run tough and converted on key downs with his legs. I see a different version of No. 16, one who is determined to play to his considerable potential. He has some big games in front of him, but the confidence with which he's playing with has my attention, and I believe he's going to rise to the challenge over the final month of the season.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer...

1. The Jaguars get a statement win over the Colts and are inching closer to the AFC South crown. Sunday's decisive victory may not garner the Jaguars national respect, but they're proving their worth as the playoffs approach. Lawrence played his best game of the season Sunday, connecting with Patrick and Thomas for some explosive plays that really opened up the offense vertically for the first time this year. The defense continued to impress, with defensive end Josh Hines-Allen clearly hitting his stride at the right time. A masterful coaching performance from Coen rounds things out as the Jaguars are beginning to get the final puzzle pieces in place with four regular-season games remaining.
2. No starters, no problem. The Jaguars keep finding ways to step up when their key players are sidelined due to injury. Wide receiver Parker Washington did not dress on as he deals with a hip injury. In his absence we saw a big day from Patrick, Thomas Jr and Meyers. Left tackle Walker Little and safety Andrew Wingard remain in concussion protocol. Veteran safety Eric Murray returned Sunday and brought a calming presence to the secondary. Cole Van Lanen got the start at left tackle for Little, which is the fourth different position Van Lanen has started at this season. The offensive line didn't allow any sacks or quarterback hits against the Colts Sunday and set things up nicely for the run game as well. Next man up continues to pay off for Coen's squad and fortunately no new additions to the injury report this week.