Colts 26-18 Jaguars – Verdict
Indianapolis continued their quest to become just the second team ever to have a perfect season, joining the 1934 Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins of 1972 and the 1998 Denver Broncos as the only teams ever to start a season with 13 successive wins. On the way, they exhibited perfection at the start of this game, with an 89-yard drive made up of eight plays and featuring five different receivers, culminating in yet another Peyton Manning completion to Marvin Harrison.
The Colts did not have it all their own way, as Jacksonville's four defensive linemen were able to bring enough pressure to keep Manning on his toes, and the quarterback needed more time against generally good coverage, resulting in three sacks. But when you have as many offensive weapons as Indy have, it is only a matter of time before one will fire, as with the 65-yard play-action pass from Manning to Harrison that brought them a second touchdown. It has been so long since he has been needed regularly that you can be forgiven forgetting that Mike Vanderjagt is one of the best kickers in the league.
With back-up quarterback David Garrard under center, the Jaguars were forced to use a more conservative game plan. Running back Fred Taylor played only a minor role in his first game for five weeks after a bruised ankle, and the home side's offense could not establish themselves until late in the game. How did they manage to score twice in the last four-and-a-half minutes? Indianapolis were in a prevent defense, using extra defensive backs to stop long gains but allowing the short stuff. Stick lots of short stuff together and you get down the field pretty effectively, especially as Garrard showed admirable cool under pressure late on.
NFLBriefing.com
The Colts did not have it all their own way, as Jacksonville's four defensive linemen were able to bring enough pressure to keep Manning on his toes, and the quarterback needed more time against generally good coverage, resulting in three sacks. But when you have as many offensive weapons as Indy have, it is only a matter of time before one will fire, as with the 65-yard play-action pass from Manning to Harrison that brought them a second touchdown. It has been so long since he has been needed regularly that you can be forgiven forgetting that Mike Vanderjagt is one of the best kickers in the league.
With back-up quarterback David Garrard under center, the Jaguars were forced to use a more conservative game plan. Running back Fred Taylor played only a minor role in his first game for five weeks after a bruised ankle, and the home side's offense could not establish themselves until late in the game. How did they manage to score twice in the last four-and-a-half minutes? Indianapolis were in a prevent defense, using extra defensive backs to stop long gains but allowing the short stuff. Stick lots of short stuff together and you get down the field pretty effectively, especially as Garrard showed admirable cool under pressure late on.
NFLBriefing.com
posted by MG at
8:29 PM
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