Postgame analysis: Jags’ young roster stuns Colts with a 27-20 win

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts with a team that consisted of 18 rookies, but that didn’t prove to stop them from going 1-0 on the season. In fact, they received huge contributions from their 2020 …

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts with a team that consisted of 18 rookies, but that didn’t prove to stop them from going 1-0 on the season. In fact, they received huge contributions from their 2020 class Week 1.

During the only NFL game that allowed fans to attend Sunday, the Jags’ young roster put on a show for their fans, providing the upset of the week in the form of a 27-20 victory. The best part about it was the fact that they received contributions from various rookie selections like C.J. Henderson, Laviska Shenault Jr. and even got a good showing out of undrafted running back James Robinson. The Jags’ 2019 rookie class also came to play, as quarterback Gardner Minshew II had himself a solid day with several of his classmates.

In the beginning of the game, it looked like it would be another long day for the Jags who’ve struggled against Philip Rivers. He once again started his day off moving the ball effortlessly down the field, however, the Jags would answer back with punches of their own.

In the first half, Rivers had a seven play opening drive for nearly 70 yards that had fans thinking the Jags would get manhandled. However, Abry Jones made a key stop in the first quarter to prevent a field goal at the least, then C.J. Henderson contributed a key pick that led to points for the Jags offense. Shenault and D.J. Chark contributed two touchdown passes while Robinson had several breakout runs on Indy’s defensive line. As a result, the Colts were only up 17-14 at the half.

In the second half, the Jags’ defense didn’t allow a single point in the third quarter and held Indy to just three points in the fourth. Another member of the 2019 class, Andrew Wingard, contributed a big-time pick on Rivers while Henderson continued to make key plays through key tackles and various pass breakups.

The Jags’ offense, on the other hand, scored 10 points in the second half thanks to a Josh Lambo field goal and a Keelan Cole touchdown pass. Ultimately, Minshew finished the game with just one incompletion (19-of-20), three touchdowns, 173 passing yards, and a quarterback rating of 142.3.

As far as rushing goes, Robinson led the way with 62 yards on 16 carries. While no receiver registered more than 47 yards (Cole), they received individual touchdown contributions from Chark, Cole, and Shenault.

As for the Jags’ leaders on defense, new starting safety Josh Jones led the way with 12 tackles, while Myles Jack was behind him with 11. Henderson, who most would say was the defender of the game, led the way with pass deflections (three) in addition to his one pick.

Up next for the Jags will be a road game against the Tennessee Titans. Last year the two teams split the series, however, Minshew had a great deal of success against them Week 4 in 2019.