JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2025 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 23-17 Week 17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

BIG IMPRESSION

• The Jaguars earned another gritty victory that showcased their toughness (mental and physical) and tenacity. Despite a series of red-zone blunders that cost them points, the Jaguars made enough stops and big plays in the second half to overcome their miscues. While there are plenty of execution errors to clean up throughout the practice week, the Jaguars' ability to move past their mistakes reflects the "next-play" mindset that has been preached since Head Coach Liam Coen's arrival. With the Jaguars showing championship grit and determination throughout a tough victory on the road, this 12-victory team is rounding into form as a title contender.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• The Jaguars overcame a series of self-inflicted mistakes to beat the Colts on the road. Although the Colts had been eliminated from playoff contention before the game, the Jaguars needed to withstand the energy of a team playing inspired football under the direction of a Hall of Fame quarterback. After settling in on defense following a slow start, the Jaguars neutralized running back Jonathan Taylor (21 carries for 70 rushing yards) and forced quarterback Philip Rivers to pass in long-yardage situations. With Rivers' limited arm strength and range, the Jaguars were able to squat on the Colts' quick-rhythm passing game and forced the veteran to make more tight-window throws. Offensively, the Jaguars overwhelmed the Colts with a balanced game plan that blended runs and passes and distributed the ball to a collection of playmakers who could play interchangeable roles. Given the contributions of wide receiver Parker Washington (eight catches, 115 receiving yards), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (six, 39), tight end Brenton Strange (three, 54), wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (four, 39) and running back Travis Etienne Jr. (19 touches, 92 scrimmage yards), the Jaguars' diversified approach enabled them to bounce back from some costly red-zone mistakes.

TREVOR'S TIME

• The former No.1 overall pick continues to play like a top-five quarterback down the stretch. Trevor Lawrence completed 23 of 37 passes for 263 yards with a pair of rushing scores. Although his red-zone interception robbed the Jaguars of a scoring opportunity, the fifth-year pro made up for his blunder with timely throws and impromptu runs that extended drives or led directly to points. As a franchise quarterback who is coming into his own as a playmaker, Lawrence's jaw-dropping plays have raised the confidence of his teammates in his ability to lead the Jaguars on a deep playoff run.

UNSUNG HERO

• Cornerback Jarrian Jones has developed into a blue-chip-caliber slot defender in his second season. The former third-round pick continues to make timely perimeter plays, showcasing outstanding instincts, awareness and route recognition. Jones' fourth-quarter interception flipped the game's momentum and set up the Jaguars' go-ahead score. With three interceptions and seven passes defensed as a key contributor, the super sophomore is flourishing in an expanded role this season.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars easily moved the ball up and down the field against the Colts, utilizing a balanced attack that produced 370 yards of total offense. Coen was dialed in as a play caller, featuring several creative plays to exploit perimeter mismatches. Additionally, the first-year head coach put the ball in Etienne's hands on several off-tackle runs that produced steady gains for an offense that wanted to control the game with its rushing attack. Despite red-zone turnovers on a "hook-and-ladder" play and a back-shoulder pass, the game plan effectively countered the ultra-aggressive tactics employed by the Colts on Sunday.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars' defense continues to impress under the direction of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. The fiery play-caller quickly adjusted to the Colts' game plan to stymie and frustrate Rivers and Taylor. The Jaguars' effective utilization of base schemes, blitz pressures and sticky coverage overwhelmed the Colts in the second half. Additionally, the unit's third-down efficiency (Colts converted just 4 of 11 third-down attempts) and turnover prowess enabled the Jaguars to walk out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a pivotal division win.