JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter/producer Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville in a 2025 Week 14 game Sunday.
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
- Big. Really big. This borders on overstating the obvious, but Sunday's game ranks among the biggest regular-season games for the Jaguars in a long while – and in fact is in the conversation for one of the most important regular-season home games in franchise history. The top two regular-season home games in this vein unquestionably are a 19-17 1996 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and a 20-16 2022 victory over the Tennessee Titans – with those two victories in their respective season finales getting the Jaguars into the postseason. A loss to the Titans in Nashville in the 2023 regular-season finale that knocked the Jaguars from the postseason also ranks among the biggest. But consider: Sunday's game against the Colts is the first December home game in franchise history between two teams tied for the division lead with both teams above .500. The only other times a Jaguars team four games over .500 played another division team four games above .500 in December or January in the regular season: a 20-16 December 2005 loss by the 9-3 Jaguars to the 12-0 Colts in Jacksonville, a 28-25 December 2007 loss by the 8-3 Jaguars to the 9-2 Colts in Indianapolis and a 41-14 December 1999 loss to the Titans in Nashville. Sunday's game isn't must-win. And the feeling here is the Jaguars are going to play a lot of big late-season games in the coming seasons. But for success-starved Jaguars fans, Sunday is special. We've talked a lot in recent seasons about the Jaguars playing meaningful late-season games. December games don't mean much more than this.
- Not to be overlooked. The Jaguars' improving defense has been very good against the run all season – and that unit will get perhaps its toughest test of the season on Sunday against Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, perhaps the NFL's best player at the position this season. There are multiple reasons for the Jaguars' defense's dramatic improvement from last season, with one reason that shouldn't be overlooked defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton. If one reason stands out why the Jaguars are ranked a solid No. 1 in the NFL against the run, it's Hamilton – who is playing as well on the interior as he has at any time since a back issue hampered him throughout the 2023 season. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen has been dominant rushing the passer in the last three games and all season and defensive tackle Arik Armstead consistently has given the defense needed interior disruption on passing downs. But if there is a reason that the Jaguars' defense has been steady enough throughout the season to keep the team in nearly every game – and to comfortably win in others – it's the play of the big man in the middle of the defense who plays a position that's often overlooked.
Brian Sexton, Senior Correspondent…
- It isn't all about Jonathan Taylor. I mean, it's mostly about No. 28 in blue, who is easily the best running back in football this season. But don't sleep on rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who was my favorite player in the NFL Draft last spring. He's a phenomenal combination of size, speed and athleticism – plus he loves the game and has the instincts to just play ball. That's why he played every position in Penn State's offense but offensive line – and he can block too. He's the new Dallas Clark, the former Colts tight end who in the height of the Peyton Manning era had huge impact even if the stats went mostly to wide receiver Marvin Harrison and running back Edgerrin James. But every one of his came at important moments in the game; he felt best when it mattered most. If that's the kind of player Warren becomes, he's going to have a heck of a career and be a big problem for the opponents. The Jaguars better be ready for No. 84 on Sunday.
- Taylor is never down enough. Go back and look at his 83-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against Atlanta in Berlin. He was swallowed up in the middle of the defensive line, yet when a slight ray of daylight presented itself, he was off and running with the entire Falcons defense desperately trying to catch up. He has got good size but blazing speed and pure running back instincts. The Jaguars' run defense has been top shelf all season, with Houston's Woody Marks rushing for more than 60 yards against them this season. But they haven't faced a back such Taylor since they saw Christian McCaffrey with the San Francisco 49ers in September. It's a huge challenge that requires intense focus on putting Taylor on the ground and not thinking you can knock him down. You must tackle this back.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...
- It's time for a big play day. The Jaguars are preparing for their biggest home game in the last few seasons, and I think it will take some big plays to get the job done against the Colts. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. returned last week after missing a few games with an ankle injury, pulling down a few catches and setting a key block for teammate Jakobi Meyers against the Titans. The Jaguars this week will need more out from Thomas Jr. as they attempt to take advantage of a depleted Indianapolis secondary. The second-year wide receiver had over 100 receiving yards each time he played against the Colts last season. Hopefully that trend will continue Sunday.
- Something's got to give. The Jaguars lead the league in defending the run as the only team allowing fewer than 1,000 rushing yards so far this season. Taylor leads the league with 1,282 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns through Week 13. Both these teams hang their hat on the run game so the winner of this position battle this weekend will be the difference in the game.
Throwback Thursday vibes! Take a trip down memory lane with iconic moments from past Colts vs. Jaguars matchups as we gear up for a Week 14 AFC South divisional showdown.
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RB Travis Etienne Jr. (1)
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Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cortez Hankton, left, makes a catch in front of Indianapolis Colts defender David Macklin, in the third quarter Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won, 28-23. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, left, runs around the block of teammate Brad Meester, bottom, as Indianapolis Colts defender Cato June, right, moves in on the play during the first quarter of a National Football League game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs past Indianapolis Colts defender Matt Giordano during the second quarter of a National Football League game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, front, runs for third-quarter yardage as Indianapolis Colts defender Cato June attempts to make the tackle during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars won 44-17. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, right, sets to throw a second-quarter pass as teammate Maurice Williams, center, blocks Indianapolis Colts' Raheem Brock, left, during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars won 44-17. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (9) runs past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden (26) on his way to the end zone to score a touchdown in the first quarter of a NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (9) hands the ball off to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Zach Miller (86) reacts to teammate Josh Scobee's game-winning 59-yard field goal against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville defeated Indianapolis 31-28 on the last-second field goal. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (9) eludes the tackle of Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett (58) during a NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville beat Indianapolis 31-28 on a last second field goal. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs for yardage past Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (99) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Philip Wheeler (50) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville beat Indianapolis 31-28 on a last second field goal. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) celebrates with fans at the end of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville defeated the Colts 19-13. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas (80) celebrates a long pass reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville defeated the Colts 51-16. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith (82) looks for running room Sept. 8, 2002 in Jacksonville. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jaguars 28 - 25 at Alltel Stadium to begin the regular NFL season. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor (28) rushes for a touchdown Sept. 8, 2002 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jaguars 28 - 25 at Alltel Stadium to begin the regular NFL season. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles looks over the Indianapolis Colts defense before a play during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. Jacksonville won 51-16. AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2010, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew celebrates a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars announced Thursday, April 23, 2015, that Jones-Drew will sign a ceremonial, one-day contract on Tuesday before officially retiring. Jones-Drew called it quits last month after nine NFL seasons. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars beat the Colts 51-16. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville defeated the Colts 51-16. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Andre Branch (90) returns a fumble recovery 49-yards for a touchdown as he runs past Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015.(AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars Jimmy Smith plays in a game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 9, 2003 in Jacksonville,Fl. at Alltel Stadium. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense lines up at the line of scrimmage against the Indianapolis Colts defense during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Josh Scobee (10) watches his game-winning 59-yard field goal at the end of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 3, 2010.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on December 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith (82) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in Jacksonville, FL, Dec. 10, 1995. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 41-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jack Del Rio head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on from the sideline against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars gets ready to take the snap against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jack Del Rio head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on from the sideline against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars smiles on the sideline after returning the second half kickoff for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Fred Taylor #28 of the Jacksonville Jaguars pushes away Cato June #59 of the Indianapolis Colts on a rushing play during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Fred Taylor #28 of the Jacksonville Jaguars outruns Cato June #59 of the Indianapolis Colts for a long gain during an NFL football game on Dec. 10, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 44-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Ernest Wilford #19 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a pass in the end zone that was ruled out of bounds against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 11, 2005 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 26-18. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Fred Taylor #28 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game on Dec. 11, 2005 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 26-18. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell (8) drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts in Jacksonville, FL, Dec. 10, 1995. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 41-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Keith Goganious (54) gives orders at the line against the Indianapolis Colts in Jacksonville, FL, Dec. 10, 1995. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 41-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli (71) steps into action against the Indianapolis Colts in Jacksonville, FL, Dec. 10, 1995. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 41-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
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TE Brenton Strange (85)
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