Tag: Nick Foles

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:

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Jaguars vs. Colts: Week 11 staff picks and predictions

A majority of the Jags Wire staff are going with the Jags over the Colts this week in a must-win.

After having a week off to settle ourselves for a potential late-season playoff push, it’s now time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to re-take the field and string some wins together. Their first opponents in that process will be their longtime rivals in the Indianapolis Colts, who desperately need a win as well. In a game in which should be a key moment for both team’s postseason aspirations, here are our staff predictions for Week 11:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Jags 27, Colts 24

I’m not banking on the Jags making the playoffs but that doesn’t mean they can’t win this one. That said, I’d personally be going with the Colts if they had receiver T.Y. Hilton. However, with him being ruled out, it could be a lot for Jacoby Brissett to overcome, especially coming off an injury.

Meanwhile, on the Jags’ end, they will have Nick Foles returning. I wouldn’t bank on him lighting up the scoreboard but he at least has Leonard Fournette by his side. I also think Foles will link up with his good friend Chris Conley for a clutch reception at some point in the game.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Colts 19, Jags 17

Nick Foles makes his return to the starting lineup this week and we’ll finally (hopefully) get a full games worth of film on him. Jaguars fans hope to see Foles lead the Jags on some magical playoff run, but I think the fanbase needs to be more temperate with their expectations. As Jay and I have discussed on “The Jags Den Podcast,” I don’t believe this team has what it takes to make the playoffs. I see Indy coming away with a win in an ugly game.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jaguars 24, Colts 21

The Jags are on the road this week as they face their division rival in the Colts. This is a matchup of returning quarterbacks as both Nick Foles and Jacoby Brissett have previously missed time. Both teams need a win to improve their playoff chances. Expect a heavy dose of Fournette to lighten Foles’ load. However, I can see Foles making enough plays for the Jags to escape with a win.

Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): Jaguars 27, Colts 23

This is as much of a must-win game as fans will find. The Jaguars can get to 1 game back from the wild-card if they win and things play out their way this weekend. The Jags have to be hungry for this one and with Foles back, expect this team to be ready to go.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Colts 23, Jaguars 16

The Jags will need to bounce back after a tough loss across the pond in London against the Texans. This will be a low scoring as both QBs will be easing their way back from injuries. However, the Colts will find a way to possibly sneak out a tough victory.

How to watch, stream, listen to Jaguars vs. Colts

The Jags and Colts will be in a Week 11 battle in which both teams must win to keep their playoff hopes alive, here is how fans can tune in.

The wait is almost over for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ return to the field as they will be coming off a much-needed bye. However, they will need to be much more successful from this point on if they are to make the playoffs, starting with Week 11’s opponents: the Indianapolis Colts.
Both teams will have their starting quarterbacks returning to the field in Jacoby Brissett and Nick Foles. Brissett will be returning from a MCL sprain that caused him to miss some time against the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 9 and a full game against the Miami Dolphins Week 10. That also caused the Colts to go on a two-game skid in which they will be desperately looking to get out of.
Foles, on the other hand, missed even more time on the field as it’s been two months since he last played. The veteran broke his collarbone in the Jags’ season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs and now the team is 4-5 with a small chance to make the playoffs. However, that’s better than nothing, especially if the veteran can have the late season success he’s had in the past.

Here is how you can watch, stream and listen to Sunday’s AFC Showdown:

Game Information

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Television

CBS47 (locally)

Coverage map can be viewed here

Radio

1010XL AM and 92.5 FM (flagship)   Jaguars Radio Network

Sirius: Jaguars internet channel 814 (feed channel 103) Colts internet channel 813 (feed channel 146) 

Extras

Connect with us on Twitter (@TheJaguarsWire) and Facebook

Follow our comrades over at Colts Wire

Official page Facebook Twitter

Will the Jags-Colts Week 11 game be on TV in your area?

The Jags and Colts game is a must-win for both teams, however, the coverage on the game won’t be huge around the nation.

It’s crunch time for the 4-5 Jacksonville Jaguars who are currently on the outside looking in on the AFC playoff race. This week, they will be taking on  their longtime rivals in the Indianapolis Colts (5-4), who are equally desperate due to being on a two-game skid which has decreased their playoff chances.

The No. 2 spot in the AFC South will also be on the line for the winner of Sunday’s game, though the wild-card spot is what both teams should be likely eying. In the process, both starting quarterbacks Nick Foles and Jacoby Brissett (likely) will be returning to the field, which has made the meeting between the two rivals a tough one to call.

All of that said, both Jags and Colts fans will be viewing this one as a must-win and the fans in the yellow region of the TV coverage map below will be able to tune in locally via CBS.

(Courtesy of 506 Sports)

Announcing the game will be Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), James Lofton (color analyst) and Michael Grady (sideline).

Sunday’s game will mark the first meeting between the Jags and Colts of the year. The Colts lead the all-time series between the two rivals with a 23-13 record, however, the Jags won the last meeting by a score of 6-0.

The game will also have an interesting storyline behind it due to Foles and Jags offensive coordinator John DeFilippo playing in their first game against their former offensive coordinator in Colts head coach Frank Reich. As many can recall, the trio all were a part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2017 team that won Super Bowl LII with Foles leading the way as the game’s MVP.

Nick Foles on Colts HC Frank Reich: “He’s a guy that has impacted my life so much”

Nick Foles says he’s forever grateful for Colts HC Frank Reich, who changed his career in a big way while with the Eagles.

Not only will Sunday’s game mark the first for quarterback Nick Foles since his Week 1 collarbone injury but it will also mark the first time that he and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo will be up against one of their former bosses in Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. With the three winning a Super Bowl together in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles, there is a great deal of respect between the three and Foles expressed that this week by praising Reich, who was his former offensive coordinator and obviously played a key part in his career.

“He’s a guy that I admire more than anything,” Foles said Wednesday. “He’s a guy that has impacted my life so much, and he’s going to be on the opposing sideline, so that’s going to be fun. […] I think it will be emotional seeing him because of what he means to me. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever met, so when he went there I was so excited for him. But I’m going to go out there and play.”

When Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz went down in December of 2017 with a torn ACL in his left knee, nobody expected Foles to have the run that he did and lead the team to the playoffs. However, Reich (and DeFilippo) worked with the veteran to revitalize his career. Needless to say, Foles had the best year of his career, going 77-of-106 (72.6%) for 971 yards and six touchdowns in the postseason. He also ended up becoming the Super Bowl’s MVP as a result.

The Jags could have the edge going into Sunday’s game being that there is a lack of film on Foles. Then again, nobody knows Foles and DeFilippo as well as Reich does, so things could be rather interesting.

Gardner Minshew disappointed with losing starter role but grateful for the experience

Jags quarterback Gardner Minshew II wanted to remain the team’s starter but says he wouldn’t trade the eight starts he got for the role.

After going on a 4-4 run as a starter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II will resume taking snaps as the team’s No. 2 quarterback this week as Nick Foles was renamed the team’s starter. While the competitor in him was disappointed about being named the backup again, Minshew told the media that he was grateful for his time on the field as he received a grand opportunity to learn a ton about the league.

“I was disappointed a little bit, obviously, because everybody wants to be that guy in the huddle,” Minshew said Wednesday. “But if you had told me at the beginning of year that I’d get to play half a season and then be able to learn, I’d have said I would take that deal 100 percent. I got a lot of good experience and I’m also going to be able to learn from one of the best dudes in the business.”

Minshew continued by stating that the experience he received made him believe that he proved himself as a NFL quarerback, however, there are some things in which he will look to improve upon before he’s given another chance.

“I think I proved I can be a guy in this league for a long, long time,” Minshew added. “I think they believe that. And there’s other things we’re going to get better at so the next time I do get this opportunity, I’ll be ready and I’ll be better and we’re all going to progress together.”

Minshew not only proved that there is a place in the league for him, but he played well enough to make fans wonder if he’s a starter. During his stretch of eight starts he was named Pepsi Rookie of the Week six times and Rookie of the Month in September. Statistically, he finished his stint as a starter 188-of-307 (61.2%) for 2,285 yards, 13 touchdowns, four picks and a quarterback rating of 92.8.

For the Jags, they now should feel very comfortable if Foles sustains another injury and Minshew has to step in. Heading forward, it will also be interesting to see Minshew’s development in the offseason and preseason as he builds upon the starts he received this year.

Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thinks Nick Foles could be the next Bucs quarterback

Find out why Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thinks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles could be in a Bucs uniform next season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a big decision to make this offseason when it comes to quarterback Jameis Winston. Do they give a new contract to the former number one overall pick, whether short term or long term? Or, do they let him walk as a free agent and start over at the position?

At 3-6, Tampa Bay may well find themselves in an envious draft position when the season ends. With a quarterback-rich 2020 NFL Draft that will likely include guys like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, there could be plenty of options for the Bucs.

But, it seems Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thinks there could be a veteran signal-caller under center for the Buccaneers next season: Nick Foles. In his article on the top 10 potentially available passers in 2020, Wesseling listed both Foles and Winston, and offered up the idea that Foles could find his way to Tampa Bay.

Take a look.

“As Minshew Mania entered full bloom, Foles was the quarterback name most bandied about at last month’s trade deadline. Armed with the assurance that they now have an intoxicating young fallback option under center, the Jaguars opted to keep their $88 million investment for a seven-game trial run that will offer ostensible clarity in the 2020 QB room. Should Foles succeed in transmitting his Super Bowl LII magic to a less talented supporting cast than the one he enjoyed in Philadelphia, the best course of action may be to hold Minshew in reserve as a premium insurance policy. Should Foles flounder or suffer yet another injury, however, it will behoove the Jaguars to solicit potential suitors such as the Bears, Broncos or Buccaneers. Yes, the Bucs.”

Foles had a storybook-run to the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, but I think he was in the right system, under the right circumstances. I don’t think he’s worth the big-money investment, though.

If the Buccaneers want to start over at the position, the 2020 NFL Draft is probably the best place to find a quarterback, depending on where they pick. Let a young quarterback learn and grow under Bruce Arians.

Remember, Arians served as the offensive coordinator/interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, Andrew Luck’s rookie year. Indy went 11-5 and made the playoffs, one year after going 2-14.

Translation: Arians knows how to work with young quarterbacks, not just veterans.

[lawrence-related id=24941,24930,24922,24914]

3 things to know for Jaguars vs. Colts

Two starting quarterbacks return to the lineup in a heated AFC South battle. Here are three things to know before kickoff on Sunday.

This Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Indianapolis to face off against the Colts in a heated, critical AFC South match-up. Both teams are hoping to make late-season pushes for the playoffs and remain in the hunt for a wild-card spot. Here are three things to know before kickoff on Sunday:

Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Healthy Quarterbacks

Both the Jaguars and Colts have been without their starting quarterbacks for some time after injuries sidelined the two, however, for Week 11, both Nick Foles and Jacoby Brissett are set to suit up. For Foles, this will be the first time since the first quarter of Week 1 that the high price free-agent acquisition will get to play.

The Jaguars benched the fan-favorite, Gardner Minshew, in favor of consistency and experience in hopes to spark a late season playoff run. The AFC wild-card race is very much wide open and Doug Marrone and his staff thought Foles gave the team the best chance to take advantage of the weaker AFC. This should be the first time Jags’ fans finally get to see what kind of player Foles really is.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Jaguars vs. Colts: 3 causes for concern against Indianapolis

The Jags way be coming off their bye, but there are still some things to be concerned about as they take on the Colts.

Most fans would agree that it’s go time for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who will enter Week 11 one game away from .500. Up next for them is their longtime divisional rivals in the Indianapolis Colts, who will be viewing things in the same light with them being on a two-game losing streak. It goes without saying the Colts and Jags know each other well enough to where fans on both ends are concerned heading into Sunday. Here are three concerns of our own as the Cardiac Cats travel up north to Lucas Oil Stadium:

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Foles showing rust 

Nick Foles will be taking back his starting position Sunday after being cleared to play from the broken collarbone he sustained Week 1. With the Jags having a 4-5 record, however, he’ll need to be instantly productive for the Jags Sunday, as the game is a must-win with the Colts (who are the No. 8 seed) being ahead of the Jags (No. 10 seed) in the wild-card race.

While the Colts aren’t quite what they used to be on offense, their passing defense is ninth in the league (223.2 YPG average) and their defense as a whole is ranked tenth in terms of total yards allowed (327.6 YPG average). Simply put, this could lead to struggles in the passing game for the Jags, especially for Foles who will be playing in his first game in months.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

8 fantasy football waiver wire claims to make ahead of Week 11

Fantasy football waiver wire claims to make ahead of Week 11.

Need a fresh face for your fantasy football roster this week?

It’s never too late for a few extra points to add to your win column.

Here are eight waiver wire claims to make in fantasy football ahead of Week 11:

Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

QB Nick Foles

Big man on campus, quarterback Nick Foles, in back in the fold for the Jaguars in Week 11. Foles hasn’t played since injuring his collarbone in the team’s season opener and he now might be a good add for a late-season run. He does have a tough meeting this week against the No. 9 pass defense in the Colts, but he has meetings against bottom-feeders such as the Bucs, Raiders and Falcons in the coming weeks.

Percent owned in ESPN fantasy leagues: 9.7%

RB Brian Hill

Devonta Freeman was lost by the Falcons in their Week 10 upset of the Saints. Without him, it’ll be Brian Hill as the No. 1 back. Ito Smith’s season is already over due to a neck injury as well. In relief last week, Hill had 20 carries for 61 yards with one catch. The No. 29 Panthers’ run defense awaits this week as well.

Percent owned in ESPN fantasy leagues: 1.1%

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3