JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2025 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 36-19 Week 14 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville

BIG IMPRESSION

• The Jaguars took another step toward legitimacy as a playoff contender with a dominant performance against the Colts. From the first snap to the final whistle, the Jaguars controlled the game with an impressive three-phase effort that showcased the team's overall growth under Head Coach Liam Coen. The team not only played outstanding complementary football with a turnover-obsessed defense setting up an efficient offense for scoring chances, but the coaching staff managed the game according to script. If the Jaguars continue to operate at a high level between the lines and on the sidelines, the hats and T-shirts will follow soon.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• The Jaguars followed the winning formula that helped them start 4-1 this season. The team created three turnovers, ran effectively and generated enough explosive plays in the passing game to control the game from start to finish. The defense set the tone by keeping running back Jonathan Taylor bottled up for most of the game, forcing Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard to make plays in the passing game. Although Leonard had some success early, the defense quickly adjusted and minimized his impact as a playmaker. Offensively, quarterback Trevor Lawrence was outstanding from the pocket, showcasing pinpoint accuracy and touch on various intermediate and vertical throws. No.16 arguably enjoyed his best day as a pro, finishing with 244 passing yards and 2 scores. With wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Tim Patrick and Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brenton Strange sharing the load as primary pass catchers, the Jaguars' efficient passing game gave the Colts problems for most of the day.

TREVOR'S TIME

• The former No.1 overall pick played to the standard against the Colts. Despite a pedestrian stat line that featured a sub-60 percent completion rate, Lawrence picked apart the Colts' coverage with a series of darts to the playmakers on the perimeter. The balanced distribution kept Colts' defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo guessing and enabled the Jaguars to dictate the terms for most of the game. Moreover, the impressive performance raised the team's confidence level in their franchise quarterback as they embark on a playoff run to close the season.

UNSUNG HERO

• After a disappointing start to the season, Thomas has started to flash the talent that made him a first-round pick for the Jaguars in 2024. The second-year pro produced a pair of explosive plays that forced the Colts to alter their coverage to account for his home-run potential. Although the 3-catch, 87-yard effort did not include a touchdown, the 29.0 yards-per-catch average and highlight-reel catches will force future opponents to reconsider their defensive game plans against the Jaguars.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars' balanced offensive approach is precisely what Coen envisioned for the squad when he took over the team in the offseason. The Jaguars totaled 350 yards, with a mix of runs and passes that put the Colts on their heels. While Lawrence and Co. deserve credit for capitalizing on their opportunities on the perimeter, the impressive win showcased the emergence of a dominant offensive line at the point of attack. If the Jaguars consistently perform to this standard, this team could make a legitimate run at the AFC crown in the postseason tournament.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The NFL's No.1 run defense flexed its muscles against the league's leading rusher. The defense ran to the ball with reckless abandon, holding Taylor to 74 rushing yards on 21 attempts. With the Colts' top playmaker bottled up for most of the day, the Jaguars created turnovers using the "vision-and-break" coverage that has suffocated quarterbacks for most of the season. As the defense continues to gain confidence weekly, the Jaguars are rounding into form as a playoff contender with a legitimate chance to make a run at Super Bowl LX.