JACKSONVILLE – Team reporter Kainani Stevens each week during the 2026 regular season will speak with a media member covering the Jaguars' opponent.
Up this week:
CBS4/FOX59 Sports Anchor Alexa Ross on the Indianapolis Colts ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 matchup between the Colts and Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville:
Q:What has been going on with the Colts this week? I know it has been a lot, but try to sum it up for us.
A:Two big departures in the trenches on both sides of the ball for the Colts. DeForest Buckner, longtime interior defensive lineman, was traded back to the 49ers. Quenton Nelson, longtime All-Pro guard, is going to the Seattle Seahawks. Both older guys with hopes to do really well being traded to contenders. I think that just goes to show the fire sale is on for the Horseshoe and the focus might be more of the future than the present.
Q:Buckner had been the anchor in the middle of that defense for a while. What is that going to look like now without him there?
A:Truthfully, I think it's going to be a little chaotic. The edge rushers have been a bit of an issue for the Colts in years past, but you always had that dynamic duo of Buckner and defensive tackle Grover Stewart to kind of hold it down. They made sure that the Colts were able to at least try and get to the quarterback and make life a little more uncomfortable for Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. I think we're going to see a little bit less of that. We have to see who is tasked to fill that role. This defense has struggled throughout the early season and they don't necessarily have a lot of flexibility to figure it out. It's a defense that has already lost its leadership over the years with the departures of guys like linebacker Zaire Franklin and cornerback Kenny Moore II. They really have to rely on these veterans in the defensive backfield like safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
Q:The last time Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was in Jacksonville, he unfortunately sustained an Achilles injury. He has been working back from that and still trying to get his footing. Does it feel like Jones is still trying to figure things out?
A:It's crazy to think about, right? During training camp, it's one of the first questions we asked, was how does Daniel Jones look? And you know, he looked great. He looked like he never got hurt and he was going to be able to pick up right where he left off. Clearly, that has not been the case. He has had issues holding on to the ball, with 10 turnovers so far through seven games. It has been a real problem. Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen is committed to Jones as his quarterback because he lauds his work ethic and preparation. What Jones does throughout the week as a leader among other things, but those need to be seen on the field as well.
Q: We never underestimate an AFC South opponent, so please give me an X-factor player on each side of the ball that will need to play well for the Colts to win?
A:Running back Jonathan Taylor is the easy answer. Whenever he gets going, it spells wonder for the Colts. He has had a relatively quiet season. He has not rushed for more than 100 yards yet this year. He has had two 95-yard games, but that's still not what you expect out of a league-leading running back. He's a guy who has had MVP-like seasons. He ripped off his longest run of the year in Minneapolis this past weekend, a 38-yard touchdown run to start the game. Unfortunately, it all kind of went downhill from there. I'm eager to see if the Colts move their rookie in, Jaylen Farmer out of Kentucky – if he fills that spot of Nelson – to see what he can do. Ultimately, that's going to be a big thing, but I think it's all going to come from the backfield anyway. I think running back Seth McGowan is going to be a huge guy as well. He filled in as kick returner and as a supplemental RB2 to Taylor. He had the great game of his young career. Defensively, I think Bynum is going to have to run around and be all over whatever the Jags have going on. He has been able to force turnovers in the past, and this defense has been struggling to do that. If they're able to intercept Lawrence and make a little commotion, things will feel a little more in control for the Colts. But the Jags certainly have that homefield advantage coming up this Sunday.
