Colts vs. Jaguars: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 11

Key matchups to watch in Week 11.

A new week means another game for the Indianapolis Colts coming up Sunday. Following their two consecutive losses, the Colts are attempting to get back on track when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in this big divisional matchup.

Among many reasons, the former AFC South leader has struggled in recent weeks, it was their loss of starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett which impacted them the most. The NC State product led the Colts to a 5-2 record and at one point and was a top-five leader in passing touchdowns before suffering a knee injury against the Steelers in Week 9.

Brissett’s importance to this team was evident last weekend when the Colts’ offense struggled mightily against the previously one-win Miami Dolphins in their 16-12 loss. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was responsible for three interceptions and looked incapable of getting the job done.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 11 bout against the Jaguars:

RB Leonard Fournette vs. Colts’ defensive front seven

Amongst all of the skill players known on the Jaguars’ offense, one player who could and should receive the most attention from the Colts, is Leonard Fournette. The LSU product is on pace to have his best season ever to the tune of 831 rushing yards (sixth in the NFL) and a yards per carry average of 4.8.

Even though the Jaguars haven’t featured Fournette as much in recent weeks (30 combined carries in Weeks 9-10), this could be the game where they do so. So far this season, the Jaguars are 2-1 when their third-year running back receives at least 20 rushing attempts and in return, Fournette averaged 154 rushing yards per game.

Regardless of what the Jaguars’ plans are for Fournette, the Colts’ defensive front seven needs to quickly contain him in order to eliminate big plays and favorable down and distances.

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The good, the bad and the ugly from Colts’ loss to Dolphins

The good, the bad and the ugly from Week 10.

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As the Indianapolis Colts (5-4) attempt to recover from what was an abysmal performance against the Miami Dolphins (2-7) on Sunday, it is important to look back at what went right and what went wrong.

While the takeaways from the game will be predominantly negative—because that’s how it works after a loss to a team like the Dolphins. But there were some positives that stood out despite the loss.

Here is the good, the bad and the ugly from Week 10:

The Good

LB Darius Leonard: He certainly looked like an All-Pro in this game. The Maniac led the team with 13 tackles (11 solo) while adding a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, two tackles for loss and two passes defended.

DE Justin Houston: The veteran edge rusher was solid against the run and extended his sack streak to five games. He has six total over that span.

Rookie CBs: The Colts relied heavily on rookie cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Marvell Tell. Both held their own and made some big plays throughout the loss.

TE Jack Doyle: Ol’ Reliable was the lone bright spot in the offense on Sunday. He caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.

The Bad

Offensive Line: They struggled in run blocking (3.8 yards per carry) and the right side was porous in pass protection, especially when facing a stunt.

Red Zone Offense: The Colts had their share of chances to score touchdowns. But they converted just one of their four trips inside the 20-yard-line.

K Adam Vinatieri: The good news is Vinatieri made both of his field-goal attempts. The bad news is he missed another extra-point attempt—one that cost the Colts a chance to tie the game on their final drive.

The Ugly

QB Brian Hoyer: What to say that hasn’t already been said. It was a feeble outing for the veteran, who tossed three interceptions and recorded a 38.8 passer rating. Suffice it to say the Colts need Jacoby Brissett to return ASAP.

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Stock up, stock down in Colts’ loss to Dolphins

Stock report following the Colts’ loss in Week 10.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) have to take a long look in the mirror following the embarrassing 16-12 loss they suffered at home against the Miami Dolphins (2-7) on Sunday.

Even though they were without a few starters, there is no excuse for losing to a team like the Dolphins—especially if the Colts are supposed to be considered a team bound for the playoffs.

Here’s a look at the stock report in the Week 10 loss:

Stock Up: LB Darius Leonard

The All-Pro linebacker hasn’t quite lived up to expectations this season and while he’s also dealt with some injuries, it was nice to see him return to his elite form. No one is doubting the impact Leonard has on a weekly basis, but this was truly his best game of the season.

The former second-round pick started off the game hot by punching out a fumble against Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki. He also added a sack, two tackles for loss, two passes defended and a crucial interception in the fourth quarter.

The Colts have a massive stretch of games coming up, and they will need Leonard to play like this for the second half.

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5 takeaways from Colts’ 16-12 loss vs. Dolphins

Takeaways from the Colts’ loss to the Dolphins.

There are some games that are too hard to comprehend and explain later on, and Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts (5-4) and Miami Dolphins (2-7) is now one of them.

Well, let’s start off with the easiest point. The Colts lost. And what would follow that beginning? An extensive list of self-inflicted mistakes, turnovers, and uninspired play by a team who supposedly has postseason aspirations. Even though the Dolphins deserve credit for their 16-12 win, the focus will be all on the Colts. Nothing more, nothing less.

Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ upset loss vs. the Dolphins:

Hoyer was just… man, forget it

Last weekend, I made sure to give quarterback Brian Hoyer “his flowers” following his stand-in performance against the Steelers in Week 9. The 11-year veteran, despite throwing a pick-six earlier on, threw three passing touchdowns and kept the Colts in the game until the very end.

But as we fast-forwarded to Sunday’s game, none of Hoyer’s positive attributes were there to be seen. Despite facing a bottom-ranked Dolphins’ defense, Hoyer was held to 204 passing yards, hit on several occasions, and threw three interceptions. And to make the Colts’ latest QB1’s performance worse, some of his struggles can’t be reflected in his statistics.

For a veteran of his stature, Hoyer missed various, open receivers on passing plays and failed to make common adjustments with his pass protection.

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