NFL Week Fifteen: For Jaguars v. Colts This Sunday, It's The Jags Who Have All The Mojo
by Brad Wells on Dec 14, 2010 2:16 PM EST
in 2010 Colts Analysis
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PrintWith the Texans losing last night to the Ravens, all the Jaguars have to do Sunday is beat the Colts and they will win the AFC South division. By winning the South, the Jags would guarantee a home playoff game, and likely send the Colts into a cold and uncertain off-season.
For Jacksonville, a team with an incompetent owner and a bumbling head coach, this is the biggest game their franchise has been involved in since the playoff game at New England in 2008 (2007 season). For years they've been hearing strong rumors that the team is moving to Los Angeles. They paid a ton of money to David Garrard, who is routinely booed at home because he hasn't played at a Pro Bowl level despite making All-Pro moolah.
So, for Jags players, coaches, and their fans, this game is a really big deal.
All the momentum is with them. All the breaks, bounces, and positive mojo clearly reside in their camp. And when you match the teams up, the Jags have the better squad. While draft picks like Donald Brown, Fili Moala, and Jerry Hughes continue to underwhelm for the Colts, Jaguars-drafted players like Eugene Monroe, Eben Britton, Terrance Knighton, Mike Thomas, Rashad Jennings, and Tyson Alualu make plays for their team.
Interesting note on Britton: The Colts opted to take Donald Brown over Britton in the 2009 NFL Draft. Brown is now the third or maybe fourth string back on this Colts team. Meanwhile, Britton has started 22 of 30 potential games at right tackle for the Jags, and has played very well. Britton was placed on IR with a shoulder injury back in October. Like taking Jerry Hughes over Indiana left tackle Rodger Saffold, I wonder if Polian will admit he made a mistake drafting Brown over the Brooklyn-native Britton. Would this team be 7-6 and fighting for its playoff life with Britton and Saffold book-ending Peyton Manning's o-line?
What nether-verse have we been transported into when the friggin' Jaguars draft better than Bill Polian and the Colts?
So, when you look at the match-ups kids, the Jags should roll the Colts this Sunday. The one X-Factor in the equation is Peyton Manning. Despite this weak, injured, and flawed Colts team heading into a make-or-break game, the old adage that 'with Manning, you always have a chance' was never truer than this week.
Consider the game earlier this season.
Despite the Jaguars rushing for 174 yards, converting 69% of their third downs, and going 3-3 in the redzone, the Colts still had a chance to win that ballgame. The reason they had that chance was Peyton Manning. True to form this year, he got little to nothing from his running game (58 yards rushing, 3.1 a carry). Peyton had to throw the ball up 46 times, but he completed 71% of those throws and the Colts were 70% on third down.
Manning's finest moment in the game was, after the Colts defense choked late and allowed an 8-yard TD pass from David Garrard to Maurice Jones-Drew with roughly five minutes remaining, Peyton drove the offense 65 yards in 8 plays to tie the game 28-all on a one-yard TD pass to Austin Collie with 1:21 to play.
Of course, on the next series, the defense choked again (aided by poor clock management from Colts head coach Jim Caldwell), allowing the Jaguars to attempt (and make) a game-winning 59-yard field goal.
This Sunday, players Joseph Addai, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark will not play in this game as they did in the last one. All three were vital to Indy playing so well on offense back in Week Four. This week, Javarris James, Blair White, and Jacob Tamme are who Manning has to make due with.
All signs point to the Colts defense once again playing poorly, allowing Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings to run all over them. They let Chris Johnson run wild last week at Tennessee. The only reason it wasn't much of a factor was because the Colts had built a 21-0 lead by the time Johnson started getting going. That lead was a direct result of Titans turnovers.
Later this week, Matt Grecco will give you all our game preview, but if you want the whole thing boiled down to its most basic elements, the contest comes down to turnovers. If the Jaguars turn the ball over, they lose. If the Colts turn the ball over, they lose. It's literally that simple.
The Colts simply do not have the toughness or the desire to stop the run. If they did, they'd have done it by now. And while the injury excuse applies to the safety and wideout positions, d-line has been injury free all year, and they've been pushed around regardless. Daniel Muir has seriously regressed, and Fili Moala isn't as good as his draft stock suggests he should be. We also still don't know why Antonio Johnson isn't playing.
So, for the Colts to win, Manning must be Manning and the Colts defense has to come up with some turnovers. If they don't, then we welcome in the 2011 off-season in mid-December for the first time since Jim Mora strolled the sidelines.
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Yeah let's see
how exactly is the owner incompetent ? He was able to convince the league to award him a franchise in a small market, and then a few years later convince them to allow that same small market to host a Super Bowl.
And the Coach can only do so much with inferior talent… and JDR is starting to be talked about as a Coach of the Year candidate.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
And "All Pro Money" for David Garrard ?
There were 17 QB’s in the NFL that made more money than him last year.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
It is his time of the month.
He does it for attention.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
Please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project
by Brian Fullford on Dec 14, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting take from BBS...
We all know too well how Polian has done drafting. The last few years have not been kind as far as drafts go, but how in the world could he make that comment when he know’s it’s simply not true?
In the past 2 years Gene Smith has drafted 15 players. All of these players are still with the team active/ps/r/injured. Bill Polian can’t say the same. Sounds more like Wayne Weaver was more than competent, and JDR is smarter than Jim Caldwell….Just sayin…
I'll be your dog, just don't treat me like one....
Done.
Take care guys. I can’t put up with this crap anymore. I’ll try again next week.
by strootster on Dec 14, 2010 2:33 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Curious as to why my link was deleted.
All I did was comment that there are optimists in the AFC South Eternal thread. Made no mention (negative or otherwise) of Stampede Blue, BBS, or the “rift” between the fan-bases.
I'm sinking like a stone in the sea
Reason
Because linking to a site, and a thread on that site, which is hostile towards this blog is kind of frowned upon. BRB is full of immature commenters, including several banned from this blog as well as other SB Nation blogs. We don’t have much to do with them. Not many SB Nation sites do.
Also, you don’t see Stampede Blue writers going over there asking readers to come over here because the people posting at BRB are mindless nitwits attack anyone who disagrees with them with insults.
Since we don’t do that, we expect the same here.
Post another thread link like that again, and you will be banned. Consider this a warning.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
I'm not a writer for BRB, I was just offering a link to Strooster to interact with people
who still have a positive (or at least more optimistic) outlook on the Colts season. BRB may have commenters that you consider “immature”, but you’ve got plenty of them here as well.
And Stampede Blue writers are more than welcome to stop by the AFC South Eternal threads and chat with us. Your former writers did, and still do (although that does have something to do with them being former writers – so I’m sure your new writers have been given the same stipulations).
Perhaps you should be the bigger person here, and not whine because there’s a group of fans that disagree with your point of view, instead of being a hypocrite and attacking them with insults (such as “mindless nitwits” or calling them “immature”). Pot, meet kettle.
Last note – I’ve not seen one attack on someone who disagrees with another in the 41 threads that we’ve done. I’m not sure where you get your information from, but it is inaccurate.
If after this comment you feel the need to ban me, so be it. I won’t be the first person you’ve banned for a nonsensical reason and I’m positive I won’t be the last.
I'm sinking like a stone in the sea
BRB
Former-writers can do whatever they want now. One of the reasons they are ‘former’ is because they didn’t do enough writing on this site to warrant the title anymore. And regarding fans who disagree with my point of view, pop into any thread in here and you will see TONS of fans disagreeing with me.
The difference between them and you is they are not douchebags. They don’t attack others, or make threats, as you and your little crew do over at BRB (and used to do here before you left like the whiny crybabies you are).
Thank you for posting. Your opinions at Stampede Blue are appreciated, but certainly not missed. Have a nice day.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
I haven't threatened or attacked anyone here.
And I definitely don’t understand why you feel the need to sink to the level of name-calling.
Also, I left because you banned me…For posting a picture no less. One that you’ve actually posted, yourself, several times.
I'm sinking like a stone in the sea
Again
YOU haven’t threatened anyone (so far as I know). The people at the site you were asking people to go to have. I unbanned you because you assured me you wouldn’t stir trouble on our blog or act like a jerk. Coming in here and suggesting people visit that site is indeed stirring trouble and acting like a jerk.
You’ve been banned from multiple blogs before for acting this way, pal. I suggest you clam down, or you might find yourself banned from the network.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
I respect what the Jags
have accomplished so far this year. They’ve clawed, scraped, had some luck, gotten help from opposing coaches (who will remain unnamed), and bottoom line…..won, especially lately. They always play us tough. The truth is, I have absolutely no idea what to expect out of our team this week. If we’re clicking to our potential, the Colts are unstoppable. If not, the Colts are easily beatable. I’m hoping for the best, but don’t have any idea what will happen. Maybe we’ll go on a winning run….like 2006.
We have the bumbling head coach, you have the coach
who’s a complete dickhead. Does that clarify it for you?
You act like the Colts could care less about this game.
The jags are a tough team, but the Colts are not going to roll over. The defense has pride and they will come to play. They may not be able to shut down MJD, but they will make a statement.
I can hardly believe you give all the credit to the jags and say nothing about how our team has handled adversity. They have not given up, and they won’t start now. The Colts have a chip on their shoulders now, and they are a scary team. Mojo, momentum, whatever you want to call it is NOT solely with the Jags.
"Peyton Manning feels no pressure, he applies it"
The Jaguars have faced a lot of adversity too
the blowout losses early could have caused many teams to quit.
Plus, lets be honest, its alot more exciting to have a shot to take down the champ, then to defend the championship, which the Colts have done so incredibly well for so long. But the Jaguars I would think will come out a little, just a smidgen more excited.
plus, you have the media at the begining of the season talking about how much this team would suck, so you have that to deal with as welll.
Still don't see the logic
So the jags are over-performing based on initial expectations and have had a few feel good wins due to luck. I’m not discounting the Jags, but in no way are they more motivated for this win. That is pure silliness. The Colts are not going to discount the toughness of the Jags, and the Jags are not going to discount the toughness of the Colts. The Colts are at home, they have been roasted by the media, everyone is on the Jags train. The Colts have just as big of a chip on their shoulder. Guarantee it.
"Peyton Manning feels no pressure, he applies it"
In no way are they more motivated for this win?!?
um you know if they win they are division champs right?
I LOVE BIG BLUE SHOE
Love that this is not a toe sucking article on the Colts. I truly respect fans that think with their head not heart. I am not only worrried about this game, but Oakland scares the hell out of me. Continue the great work BBS I love that you speak the truth even though some of the readers might not like it THE TRUTH HURTS!
by BLEED_BLUE on Dec 14, 2010 2:49 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Moala
For a second year DT, Moala has looked good from my vantage point. He routinely garners double teams in the run-game, still gets penetration more than the other Colts’ DTs, and has stepped up his game in terms of MAKING A PLAY once he blows up a blocker.
And regarding Hughes – while his playing time has hindered assessing his progress, I ask you to look no further than the Ten game last week. Yes, he got an offsides call, but he also but a tackle with a SPIN MOVE…. something I had not seen him do before. Granted, he got picked up on a double team shortly thereafter, but he is learning.
Defensive line is the toughest position to transition to out of college.
You find a way
to make every story about how you feel that the team has messed up in the draft. Fili Moala is contributing and has been all season long. Jerry Hughes has really played well that past few weeks and I can really see him starting to find his way in this defense. Donald Brown isn’t going to be able to run behind this pathetic offensive line. You were all excited about Mike Hart being back and thinking the run game was automatically going to be fixed. What did he do against the Cowboys? The poor run game is not because of Donald Brown and no matter how many times that he is it is not going to become true. I can’t say the same about this site though. All of the blame for horrible articles falls onto you BBS.
by Garland on Dec 14, 2010 2:53 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
BBS always makes good points
His writing take a point of view that I can apperciate. His style is more of a NY/Boston/Phily writer in which he is tough on the team that he covers. I think all colts fans should take a page from his book
I agree, but..
I don’t like the way opinion is stated as fact. It sure does seem to keep people coming back though. It tends to flood the comment section with useless bickering, but at the same time the comment threads here are better than many.
-Got my ticket for the game sunday. I’ll be the one in the #85 jersey! Go Colts!
by GoColtsin2010! on Dec 14, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
I'm a realist
And I know the reality of what this game against the Jags means. If you read any of my other comments you would see that Im not totally against BBS. In fact there are numerous times that I agree with him but he is beating a dead horse. We know he doesn’t love the picks we have taken the last few drafts but does he have to mention that in every single article he writes?
When did this turn in to a Jags blog?
The coverage of the biggest game of the year on this blog has been absolute shit.
Jags are coming to our house man. We have 18. How much more fucking “mojo” do you need?
by feelthebuzz on Dec 14, 2010 3:19 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
its a guy whos about...
5-7’ and 210 lbs….known as the MOJO…..aka the jaguars recking ball againsnt the colts
WE ARE JAGUARS.......FEAR OUR ROAR!!!!!!
Fortunately, Polian doesn't believe in mojo,
so, I’m pretty sure we’ll be alright.
Britton is a right tackel
and Polian stated that he didnt think RT was worth using a first round pick on (something I agree with) so theres no way he admits making a mistake because he didnt.
The line cant run block for shit. On good days they can be a decent pass blocking unit, but they can never run block. Sure maybe Sweetness or a rookie AP could make some yards with the same line, but just because Donald isnt a hall of fame running back doesnt make him a bust.
And your stuff about Moala is just plain crap. Hes playing pretty well and hes always improving, what more can you expect.
Hank Baskett IS A WANKER
Jags took him in the 2nd
but Colts would’ve had to take him in the first to get him.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
but Jags D sucks
Oakland put up a lot of yards against them,,, JVille cannot stop Reggie and Tamme and Garcon( playing well now Si Vous plez) and White , as long as that line can hold Peyton will pick them apaprt!!!! and maybe we get Collie and or Addai? will be a high scoriung game
we have already done it this year........
remember? lol
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
"I'm smacking you with the truth......" - Me
And 3 of the DB's for the Jags in that game
are no longer on the team.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
Actually...
the 2 starting safeties are no longer on the team.
D. Jones, who started at CB, is still on the roster but hasn’t played on D since the BYE.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
If ever there was a game for displaying character.........
This is it. Prior to this year, we on these boards have done a lot of chirping with regard to the character and professionalism of the Colts, from the players on up the line to the ownership. Well, this Sunday will be a great barrometer as to exactly how classy this team really is. I look for the Colts to step up and play their guts out on both sides of the ball, and I expect nothing less. While the Jags run offense seems to hammer us regularly, I expect the defense to come in prepared, and bend outside the red zone and stiffen inside it. These teams know eachother well, and the victor will be the best prepared and mistake free team. My hope is that the Colts will display the character and professionalism that I think they have, and overcome the injuries and naysayers. Of course, the opposite could happen, and I will look the moron, but regardless, this is my team and I am behind them whatever happens. I didn’t live and die with this team since 1964 til now to give up on them at this point.
And should the Colts lose
it’ll be a good barometer as to exactly how classy the fans are as well.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
What if...
If we are going to start talking about who we could have/should have picked in the draft from the Jags roster. It should start with passing on MJD. I love me some Addai but this team is a force with Mojo and it weakens the Jags tremendously.
Like others have said..
The negativity is a bit off, and to say that Addai and Collie won’t play isn’t true, other reputable Colts writers seem to think there’s a chance that they play.
I like the Jags, because I like Jones Drew. He’s a fantastic player with a great attitude. It seems to me that they’ve had a hell of a lot of luck go their way this year, but when you look at us last year, we would describe it as making plays. It happens. I think we can beat them if we turn up, especially with Collie and Addai. If Session is back too, we have them where we want them. Looking forward to the game, we’ll see whether this defense can step up like it did last year when it mattered.
Colts vs Jags Showdown
There’s no way the Colts lose to the Jaguars on Sunday !
I don’t know how Jacksonville has gotten this far (8 wins) with an awful QB leading that offense. Every time I check out a Jags game (which isn’t too often) their offense reminds me of a Keystone Cops episode.
by profootballfanatic on Dec 14, 2010 5:04 PM EST reply actions
Garrard doesn't look awful to me.
In fact, quite the opposite.
Sorry...
I’m used to watching Tom Brady run his offense – do this for a game or two and Garrard’s efforts will look comical to you as well.
If the Jaguars beat the Colts on Sunday it will be due to Garrard’s ability to hand the ball off to a back, not his prowess at throwing the ball to a receiver !
by profootballfanatic on Dec 14, 2010 6:48 PM EST up reply actions
Compared to Tom Brady...
… Peyton Manning has been sub-par this year.
by alwaysforgiven821 on Dec 15, 2010 2:04 AM EST up reply actions
Peyton Manning's offensive line
has been sub-par compared to Brady’s. I’d love to see Brady try to operate under the conditions that Peyton has to operate under.
he's lost a hell of a lot of weapons
and Polian’s biggest failing with the Colts in my view has been the lack of attention to back-filling the offensive line.
Man, you nailed it.....
Garrard and the Jags offense was especially horrible on October 3…did you tune in to watch them stink up the place? If not, you missed it! The crazy thing is as bad as they were, they ended up doing better than the other team, but I forget who they played. Do you remember Mr. Fanatic? Oh well, its probably not important. At least your offense is always great. I just wish I remebered who the Jags were playing on Oct. 3.
by GAJAGFAN on Dec 14, 2010 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
lol soo true
anyone who says “theres no way the colts lose to the jaguars” or vice versa is an idiot and knows absolutely nothing about football.
He's actually a Patriots fan, not a Colts fan.
Peyton Manning= Better.
by JesusNinja13 on Dec 15, 2010 1:48 AM EST up reply actions
roster talent
I think the colts have several good young players,garcon,collie ,tamme,powers,brown and gonzalez.They need serious help on the offensive line and dt spots, i think we can all agree on that.By the way profootball focus recently had a note that when playing left tackle linkenbach is already better then charlie johnson.He might be a real find.
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