Instant analysis: Jags get embarrassed by Colts despite Nick Foles’ return

The Jags entered Sunday’s must-win game needing to show some life and did the exact opposite.

The Jacksonville Jaguars came into Week 11’s game against the Indianapolis Colts looking to capitalize on a must-win situation but that did not happen. In fact, it wasn’t even a close game as the Jags fell flat with the final score being 33-13.

The Jags were coming off their bye week almost at full strength with just one player on their injury report, while the Colts were without their top receiver, T.Y. Hilton, however, that did not matter. The Colts offense still found success on the ground as the Jags’ defense had another terrible outing against the run. By the time the clock hit 0:00 the Colts had garnered 264 rushing yards mostly thanks to Jonathan Williams, who had 116 yards and Marlon Mack, who exited the game early with an injury but had 109 yards and a touchdown. Simply put, Week 11 marked yet another poor showing from Todd Wash, which should leave the status for his job potentially in the air.

The Jags’ offense wasn’t much better, however, and that was despite the return of Nick Foles from his Week 1 collarbone injury. The veteran had a forgettable day despite the plethora of passing attempts he made (33-of-47) and passing for just under 300 yards and a pick. Of course, those stats were padded due to the Jags being behind for most of the game. Additionally, he had some poorly thrown balls throughout the game, but it’s worth noting he’s just returning from a two-month hiatus. Still, it was not a performance fans will be happy about — and rightfully so.

The Jags also had some questionable offensive play-calling by John DeFilippo. Similar to their previous loss to the Houston Texans in London, the team didn’t give Leonard Fournette a lot of carries early and it resulted in him finishing the game with just eight total carries (for 23 rushing yards) on the whole day. With him being one of the league’s top rushers many fans will question his usage, which is puzzling, to say the least.

In all probability, the Jags have played themselves out of postseason contention although the Houston Texans lost handily Week 11 as well. Still, they will have to get over this loss quickly with a trip to the Tennessee Titans coming up. Kickoff for that game will be at 4:05 EST on Nov. 24 via CBS.

Studs and duds from Colts’ 33-13 win vs. Jaguars

Studs and duds from the Week 11 win.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) bounced back against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium with a 33-13 win.

The victory, combined with the Houston Texans’ loss, moves them into first place ahead of the Thursday night bout that features both teams. This was a complete team win with strong performances on both sides of the ball.

Here are the studs and duds from Week 11:

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

STUD: RB Marlon Mack

The Colts got back to their roots of dominating in the run game. Mack, behind the offensive line, spearheaded the rushing attack. Though he eventually left with a hand injury and didn’t return, Mack was the engine that kept the offense rolling.

Mack left halfway through the third quarter but finished taking 14 carries for 109 yards and a strong touchdown. The third-year back had five runs of 10 yards or more on the day. It remains to be seen if he will be healthy enough to play on Thursday night.

Colts rout Jaguars, 33-13: Instant analysis

Analyzing the big win for the Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium by a score of 33-13.

The game was over when…

…Colts running back Nyheim Hines punched in a seven-yard touchdown run to give Indy a 31-7 lead in the fourth quarter.

Game Balls

  • RB Marlon Mack: Though he left with an injury, Mack took 14 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown.
  • CB Kenny Moore: It was a strong day for Moore, who led the team in tackles while recording a sack and a pass defended.
  • RB Jonathan Williams: In relief of Mack, Williams took 13 for 116 yards.

Key Stats

  • The Colts finished with 264 rushing yards as a team, the second-most in franchise history.
  • The Colts defense allowed just one drive to enter the red zone.

Quick Hits

  • The Colts are now 3-0 against the AFC South this year.
  • Mack recorded his seventh career 100-yard game. It was the first time since Week 5 he’s done so.
  • Adam Vinatieri now holds the NFL record for most field-goal attempts in a career (710), passing Morten Andersen.
  • Vinatieri made all five of his kicks on Sunday.
  • This is the first game for the Colts that has been decided by more than one score this season.
  • This is the first time the Colts have had multiple 100-yard rushers in the same game since moving to Indy.
  • Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 24 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran in a five-yard touchdown.
  • DE Justin Houston recorded a sack, which extends his streak to six games.
  • The Colts move into first place with a Texans loss in Baltimore.

Injuries

  • WR T.Y. Hilton (calf), WR Parris Campbell (hand), RB Jordan Wilkins (ankle) and CB Pierre Desir (hamstring) were all inactive due to injuries.
  • RB Marlon Mack (hand) and CB Rock Ya-Sin (ankle) left with injuries and didn’t return.

Up Next: The Colts turn around on a short week to visit the Houston Texans on Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

Watch: Quenton Nelson’s EPIC Keg-Stand Touchdown Celebration

former Notre Dame stud offensive guard Quenton Nelson and the rest of the offensive line performed one of the best group touchdown celebrations to date

The Indianapolis Colts are in a dogfight for a playoff spot, battling with the Houston Texans for the AFC South lead.

In an important divisional game for the Colts on Sunday, they started slow but began to pull away from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half.

After the Colts scored to go up 16-7 in the third quarter, former Notre Dame stud offensive guard Quenton Nelson and the rest of the offensive line performed one of the best group touchdown celebrations to date.

Keg stands for the win.

Please never change, Q.

Injury news: DE/LB Lerentee McCray sustains hamstring injury vs. Colts, questionable to return

The Jags exited the first half of their game against the Colts with an injury to one of their reserves on the defensive line.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars came into Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts relatively healthy but will leave it with at least one injury. Defensive end/ linebacker Lerentee McCray exited the first half with a hamstring injury and is questionable to return.

It’s unknown as to what play the injury was sustained on but if he can’t return the Jags have plenty of depth on defensive end with Yannick Ngakoue, Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot.

McCray hadn’t registered any stats before the injury, however, he has five total tackles on the season.

WATCH: Nick Foles throws first TD pass to DJ Chark in return from injury vs. Colts

Nick Foles is continuing where he left off Week 1 with the Jags by linking up with the receiver he threw his first regular season TD pass to.

It looks like Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles is picking up right where he left off.

The veteran put the Jags on the board with a brilliant 34-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Chark Sr. with nearly seven minutes left in the first quarter:

Chark turned on the jets and completely blew by Colts safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Marvin Tell III for the score.

The Colts are up by a score of 10-7 currently in the second quarter. The Colts’ last score came from kicker Adam Vinatieri, which gave them the lead after running back Marlon Mack previously scored a rushing touchdown.

Colts vs. Jaguars: Live updates from Week 11

Live updates from Week 11.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium for what is expected to be a physical divisional battle.

The inactives have already been released for both teams, and this matchup could have some implications down the road for the AFC playoffs. The Colts are currently sitting in second place, but the Jaguars are just one game behind them in last place in the division.

As both starting quarterbacks return for their respective teams, we have live updates from Twitter following along with the Week 11 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium:

https://twitter.com/TheColtsWire/lists/indianapolis-colts

3 Jaguars to watch on offense vs. Colts

With kickoff just a few hours away, here are three Jaguars to watch on offense vs Indianapolis.

Despite an embarrassing showing in London against the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to be the provisional number six seed with a win over the Colts. Yes, the Oakland Raiders would also have to lose to an 0-9 Cincinnati team, but there’s a chance.

Head Coach Doug Marrone made the decision to go with now-healthy veteran quarterback Nick Foles after the bye week. With him only seeing the field for two series this regular season, fans will be eager to see what he has to offer against the Colts.

With the game just under an hour away, here are three players on offense to keep your eye on vs Indianapolis:

1. QB Nick Foles

He’s the player everyone is talking about. However, some fans and media members were onboard to see Minshew Mania throughout the rest of the season. In my opinion though, Marrone has done the right thing by rolling with the veteran as Jacksonville tries to make a late charge to the post-season.

The buzz around the improved aerial attack coming out of training camp was palpable. It was such a shame to see all of that momentum wiped out in the opening game. Hopefully, Foles is able to put on a show Sunday afternoon and remind us why the Jaguars felt comfortable giving him the most expensive contract in team history through free agency.

2. TE Josh Oliver

The rookie tight end was sidelined for the start of the season, but since returning to action in Week 7, his snap count is increasing more over time.

For Jacksonville, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time as they prepare to run the table with three more divisional games. The extra week allows Foles to come back into the fray, whilst also giving Oliver the opportunity to establish himself in the offense. His return has seen Seth DeValve’s snap count drop week by week and this game will likely be the first time Oliver is used as the primary tight end.

3. RB Ryquell Armstead

The Jaguars offense has worked better when coordinator John DeFlippo uses other backs to take some of the pressure off Leonard Fournette. Over the last three games, Armstead has gradually been getting more involved in the offense. The rookie was one of a handful of standout players in England, catching five passes for over 60 yards, including a 35-yard reception which was the longest play of the day for Jacksonville.

It will be interesting to see if Jacksonville utilize him more, as he has shown his potential when asked to catch out of the backfield. That’s something Fournette is getting a chance to showcase more but Armstead may be an even better receiving tailback.

Colts vs. Jaguars: Inactive players in Week 11

Inactives in Week 11.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) have released their inactive players list ahead of the Week 11 divisional matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

The Colts already ruled out two players ahead of the divisional matchup on Sunday with a pair listed as questionable as well.

Here’s a look at the inactives for the Colts in Week 11:

Player Position Injury
T.Y. Hilton WR Calf
Pierre Desir CB Hamstring
Parris Campbell WR Hand
Jordan Wilkins RB Ankle
Le’Raven Clark OL
Chad Kelly QB
Quincy Wilson CB

Hilton and Campbell were already ruled out on Friday. Desir was doubtful and will miss another game with a hamstring injury while Wilkins was questionable and is now out with an ankle injury. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox was questionable but it appears he’s playing.

Here’s a look at the Jaguars inactives for Week 11:

Player Position Injury
Seth DeValve TE Oblique
Josh Dobbs QB
C.J. Board WR
Tyler Ervin RB
Tae Hayes CB
Brandon Thomas OL
Dontavius Russell DL

 

2 Jaguars X-factors to watch vs. Colts

Chis Conley might be the Jags’ X-factor on offense against the Colts, while Ronnie Harrison may be for the defense.

Heading into Sunday’s game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts, there are many players who fans are expecting to put up solid stats. In the Jags’ case, Leonard Fournette, D.J. Chark, Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue all fall in that category. However, in some games, there is an unexpected player who impacts the outcome, also known as X-factors.

Let’s take a look at a player on each side of the ball who could be that player for the Jags in their must-win game against Indy:

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

WR Chris Conley

With quarterback Nick Foles back, fans shouldn’t rule out the passing game having a good day in general although I tend to think there will be some rust. However, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Foles link up with the target he’s the most familiar with in Chris Conley, who was a teammate of his with the Kansas City Chiefs, too.

Conley has only registered one 100-yard game so far this regular season and that was against the New York Jets. It may remain that way by the end of Sunday’s game, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Foles and Conley link up for multiple key connections. It also wouldn’t shock me to see Conley get over five receptions, something the hasn’t happened since Week 1.