Recap Week Thirteen: Colts 28-Jaguars 25

by Brad Wells on Dec 2, 2007 6:14 PM EST in Game Recaps

Antoine Bethea celebrates after intercepting David Garrard in the 4th quarter. The INT was Garrard's first this season.
Photo: AP Photo/Darron Cummings

The Colts offense had to make up for some shaky defense, pushing the Colts ahead in the AFC South by 2 games (really 3 considering Indy has won the regular season series with the Jags). For much of the game, the usually reliable Colts defense looked very BAD against the run. No, they didn't surrender 300+ yards, but they did allow way to many big runs and quick strikes by the Jags. I lost track of how many times Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor were hit in the backfield only to break free and run for an extra 4, 5, or 10 yards. And though the registered 3 sacks and numerous pressures on QB David Garrard, they just couldn't rattle him. Garrard played brilliant football, especially in the fourth quarter.

With all the accolades I'm throwing at Jacksonville, you'd think they won the game. But, they didn't, and the reason they didn't was Peyton Manning.

Jags dominated running the ball, but that was negated because the Colts dominated on third down. Twice on third and long plays, Peyton Manning hit his receivers for big TD plays; one to Reggie Wayne (8 catches, 158 yards, 1 TD) and one to Dallas Clark (6 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs). Manning made one bad throw all game, which resulted in a Reggie Nelson INT. If not for that INT, the Colts might have won by double digits. Just like the game earlier this season in Jacksonville, Manning was surgical, carving up Jacksonville's secondary.
Two constants with the Jags: Their coach will make a stupid decision in-game, and the Jags will commit a bad penalty that will affect the outcome of the game. I agree with Terry, who stated in the comments that the play of the game was a personal foul penalty on WR Reggie Williams when the Jags were knocking on the door for a potential game tying TD. That penalty, and a 5 yard false start, backed the Jags up 20 yards. Garrard was then sacked on third down. Jags settle for a FG. The other constant was Jags coach Jack Del Rio mishandling his timeouts at the end of the game. Had Del Rio held onto one time out after the two minute warning, the Colts would have had to make three first downs to run out the clock rather than just two.
The defense was just bad: Sloppy tackling, bad angles, and confusion. Part of it was Jacksonville, a very solid football team. The other part might be re-inserting Tyjuan Hagler as the SAM backer. These kinds of plays were not happening with Rocky Boiman as the SAM. I'm not saying it's Hagler's fault, but if we start to see a trend, Dungy might want to re-consider benching Boiman.

Despite the outcome, I hope Chris from Big Cat Country had a good time rooting for his team in Indy. The Jags, and in particular David Garrard, looked very good. But, the Jags' bread and butter (their defense) was shredded by Manning and the Colts passing attack. Last time around, the Colts defense and running game dominated. This time, it was Manning.

The win secures the 6th straight season of at least 10 wins, all 6 under Tony Dungy. It also, likely, secures the 5th straight AFC South title for Indy. Despite all of Jacksonville's talk about making "a statement," they lose... again. The Colts have dominated the always chirpy Jags in the AFC South. However, it is very possible these two teams will meet in the playoffs. The Jags have a very good team, but per usual the Colts do what is needed to win.

So, 10-2 despite so many injuries it hurts my brain to think about it. Despite the injuries and all the adversity, this team continues to gut it out and win close games. Go Colts!

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Comments

Boiman

Boiman is already benched, he can't be re-benched. I guessing you mean made the starter again.

Hagler was out for about a month so he was probably a little rusty. He should get back into it in the next 1 to 2 games. If not I'm happy knowing we have 2 other startable LBs waiting on the bench in Boiman and Sessions.

I'm a blogger now http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com/

by shake n bake on Dec 2, 2007 6:43 PM EST reply actions

either you fixed it

or I can't read good.

I'm a blogger now http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com/

by shake n bake on Dec 2, 2007 7:14 PM EST up reply actions

Colts have the #2 seed practically wrapped up

as I forsee the Pats dismantling the Steelers next week.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 2, 2007 6:55 PM EST reply actions

Regarding Hagler....

Sorry BBS, but I think he had a very good game today. The problem with run defense was a lack of fundamentals, nothing else. There were shades of last year's D, with over-pursuing happening all over the field. Each player on D is trying to stone a player instead of rap them up, and this makes for missed tackles and big gains. It didn't help that Taylor and MJD are VERY good backs either.

I can sense that you really don't have as much confidence in Hagler as you do Boiman, considering this is at least the 3rd time you've questioned him starting at SAM. From what I saw today, him and Keiaho both did a nice job of meeting the ball carrier and taking him down. If I were to rest the blame anywhere, it would be on the front line, where almost all of the players except Mathis got manhandled today. Anyway, just give Hagler some time. I'm sure you'll see what he brings to this defense soon.

by Aerostar193 on Dec 2, 2007 7:31 PM EST reply actions

Ok

I'm not debating you. I'm willing to wait and see how he plays.

Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by Brad Wells on Dec 2, 2007 9:22 PM EST up reply actions

I was at the game 7 rows off the field.

Hagler looked real tired, especially in the 2nd half. Understandable as he hasnt played in like 3 or 4 weeks.

by MixFMKyle on Dec 2, 2007 10:18 PM EST up reply actions

About that game-turning penalty...

There's something I didn't understand at the game today and I'm hoping that you folks can enlighten me. The Jags got a first down at the Colts' 7 yard line and then were backed up 15 yards to the 22. The refs even MEASURED for the first down before adjudicating the penalty. Why was it first and ten instead of first and goal from the 22? Not that it mattered, the Jags were forced to kick the FG.

But I was asking everyone around us why this happened. The Jags were awarded FIRST AND GOAL at the 7 and then received the fifteen yard penalty as a dead-ball foul. I'm not getting why it wasn't first and goal from the 22.

Slap me if I missed something.

by PigInZen on Dec 2, 2007 8:16 PM EST reply actions

Because

the foul occured after the play. So once the result of the play is figured, then the penalty gets enforced.

The Jags earned the first down, then after the play a 15 yard penalty for the brain fart by Williams. Dumb move it happened right infront of me.

by MixFMKyle on Dec 2, 2007 10:17 PM EST up reply actions

Well...

I guess the best way to describe it is that it's kind of the twilight zone. They got the first down before the penalty, but the penalty didn't occur during their new set of downs, so they aren't going to make it 1st and goal from the 22.

It's definitely a weird scenario, but I think it's the right way to do it. A fresh set of downs should be just that.....a fresh set of downs. I consider each set of downs a mini possession. If a holding penalty occurs on a punt, they don't make it first and 20. I think it's the same general principle.

by rudy0498 on Dec 3, 2007 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

Playoffs

A Bills loss in any of the last 4 games clinches a playoff berth for the Colts.

A Colts win or Jags loss clinches the division.

Colts have a one game lead on the Steelers for the first round bye if they win tonight. Two games and an advantage in the tiebreaker if they lose.

I'm a blogger now http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com/

by shake n bake on Dec 2, 2007 8:39 PM EST reply actions

Playoff Schedule

So I found this graphic, and I was wondering if someone can check it for me. It says that in round 1: Seed 4 vs #5, and #3 vs #6
round 2: #1 vs either 4 or 5, #2 vs either 3 or 6
Championship: winners of previous week

If this is correct, and we assume that the Pats hold on to seed #1 (since they would have to lose three games out of their final five to lose the #1 seed), and the Colts keep #2, then we get a bye in week #1 right? Then we play either the Steelers or the #6 seed in week #2 of the playoffs.

So assuming we win from here on out, the playoffs go like this:

Week #1: Bye
Week #2: Beat Steelers or Titans/Jags (whoever wins last Wild Card Spot)
Week #3: Beat Patriots
Weeks #4: Bring home Lombardi #2.

Check it to pancakes! Pancakes!

by Picky on Dec 2, 2007 11:13 PM EST up reply actions

not quite

the #1 seed will play the lowest remaining seed, so if for example the #3 and #5 seeds win the pats play #5, we'd play #3

by torontocoltsfan on Dec 2, 2007 11:33 PM EST up reply actions

asfkjl

As I've been pointing out on this site, the playoff seeds fall like this:

Round 1:

3 vs. 6
4 vs. 5

Round 2:

1 vs. 4 or 5 or if 6 wins then 6
2 vs. 3 or if 6 wins then 4 or 5

Round 3:

Winners or Round 2.

So right now we'd play either Pittsburgh or JAX/SD
I wouldn't mind playing San Diego again and get some revenge on them. That'd be nice :)

Colts fan in Chicagoland. Go Colts!

by Kyle321N on Dec 2, 2007 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

Scenario

Yeah, so we'd get revenge on the Chargers in the Divisional round, and then beat the Patriots in the Championship, thereby beating the only two teams we lost to this year. HA! That would be sweet!

Check it to pancakes! Pancakes!

by Picky on Dec 3, 2007 1:25 AM EST up reply actions

Hold Your Horses

Ideally, I'd like to draw the Chargers in the divisional round. I just keep thinking of one of those split screen shots showing the coaches with Tony Dungy on one side, and Norv Turner on the other. It just warms my little heart.

"Hey, if you want me to come here, I want to come here. But if you don't, I'm going to beat your butt for 15 years playing in the AFC." -Peyton Manning-

by MonkeyBusiness on Dec 3, 2007 1:31 AM EST up reply actions

Colts will play the Steelers

in the divisional playoff rd. Steelers won't lose to the #6 seed which will probably be either Cleveland, Buffalo or Tenn.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

I don't consider that a given....

The Steelers are known for losing to teams they shouldn't. All 3 of their losses have come to sub .500 teams (at the time): Arizone (1-2), Denver (2-3) and even the lowly Jets (1-8).

You'd think that the playoffs would be different. But if they lost to the Jets, they can lose to anybody.

by rudy0498 on Dec 3, 2007 10:45 AM EST up reply actions

Steelers only lose to crap teams on the road

they play much better at Heinz Field so I can't imagine a scenario where an average team like the Browns, Bills or Titans beats them at home.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

Heinz field

is in such horrible shape that they can beat anyone there since no one can stand up on it... last nights game there was another mud wrestling match, though at least there was scoring this time..

by bluegirl on Dec 3, 2007 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

If they can lose to crap teams on the road....

they can lose to a playoff team at home. Cleveland almost knocked them off at home just a couple weeks ago (31-28). It took multiple miracles for your precious Cowboys (who I'm assuming you consider to be much better than Pittsburgh) to beat Buffalo, and Tennessee can run with anybody when they are healthy and Vince Young doesn't turn the ball over.

I too "think" it will be Pittsburgh, but I'm not about to treat it like it's a certainty.

by rudy0498 on Dec 3, 2007 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

obviously nothing is a certainty

and that includeds the Colts winning their division and getting the #2 seed, however, we know thats going to happen.

I feel just as confident about Pittsburgh winning their 1st playoff game.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

Not to mention

that Pittsburgh isn't a lock for the #3 seed. They are only 2 games up on San Diego who has been playing much better lately and has a pretty soft schedule (@TEN, DET, DEN, @Oak). Pittburgh still has to play NE, JAC, and @BAL. It is very possible that San Diego wins out, and Pittburgh loses 2 of those 3 games. San Diego would have the tie breaker because they have a better conference record.

by rudy0498 on Dec 3, 2007 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

Pittsburgh will lose to the Pats

but they'll have no problem beating Jags, Rams and Ravens.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

jags might be tough

these two teams are both strong defensive teams... will be close, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the jags win since they are now more desperate and need the wins to get the wildcard... especially with titan winning this week...

by bluegirl on Dec 3, 2007 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

There ya go....

speaking "matter of factly" again. I just don't see how you can be so confident about a team that has done so little. They have only played 3 games against teams over .500!! (2 against CLE, and one against SEA) They may have the 3rd best record in the conference, but they really haven't proven they can beat good teams yet. What makes you so confident about them?

The Jags are much better than any team they've played so far. Even though it's a home game, Jacksonville is better equipped to play in the that swamp than they are. And once again...THEY LOST TO THE FRIGGIN' JETS!!!! So they could easily lose at a divisional rival like Baltimore.

by rudy0498 on Dec 3, 2007 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

And

I think we are overlooking the fact that they can be beat at home. They only beat the Dolphins, who don't have a win, by 3! How can we say for certain that they can beat anyone at home, more or less a playoff quality team. Pittsburgh was our hope to knock off the Patriots, now I am hoping either Baltimore or the G-men can beat them...

Colts fan in Chicagoland. Go Colts!

by Kyle321N on Dec 3, 2007 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

that game was played on the

worst field ever, no team could have scored on a field like that, even the Pats. Therefore, you can't count that performance as meaningful.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

Baltimore has one of the worst offenses

in the history of football, no way they come close to beating either the Pats or Steelers.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

because they have the best defense in football

and their offense plays pretty good at Heinz Field.

Now don't get me wrong, I hate the Steelers and will be rooting hard for any team that plays them, but I know they're clearly the 3rd best team in the AFC despite losing to some bad teams.

by Terry @ Stampede Blue on Dec 3, 2007 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

Jags Excuses

What is it with the Jags and making excuses? I was reading some of the post-game babble from Del Rio and it just seems like they just don't get it. Here's why the Jags lose: bad coaching, and stupid penalties. Look at the drive in the 4th quarter. The Jags are in a position to pick up a first and goal, and they get nailed with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a false start consecutively. They have to settle for a field goal, and the Colts win by 3.

If I'm the Jags, I'm investing draft picks in a better secondary this offseason. Rashean Mathis is good, and Reggie Nelson is good, but good doesn't cut it against the Colts.

The Jags won't ever seriously threaten for the division title until they can play a completely perfect game, which right now they just can't do. They're closing the gap, but to be the best you have to beat the best.

"Hey, if you want me to come here, I want to come here. But if you don't, I'm going to beat your butt for 15 years playing in the AFC." -Peyton Manning-

by MonkeyBusiness on Dec 2, 2007 10:57 PM EST reply actions

excuses

yes, and now players like spicer are making comments about polian bribing refs... complaining about dumb penalties they took and dragging that sad old story about the colts pumping noise into the dome... the officiating was pathetic, but i don't think in the end it hurt one team more than the other.... (they were lucky not to picked for a TD return on that VERY late false start flag)

by bluegirl on Dec 3, 2007 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

Worst...

This was one of the worst officiated games i've ever seen. I can't wait to watch the recording tonight to see if i'm way off base, but watching it live was terrible. They missed at least 2 Jacksonville false starts, and that pass interference call on Gonzo seemed absolutely horrible. I'll see how it really was when i watch my "game film" tonight.

by the21eraser on Dec 3, 2007 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

Pumping Noise In

Speaking of which, was anybody listening to the pregame show on the radio? They had a commercial selling the CD of all the crowd noise that they pump into the dome. It was pretty funny. The guy says something like this:

"Listen to this classic crowd noise from five years ago:"

(Dead silence for five seconds)

"And who can forget the AFC Championship crowd noise?"

(Dead silence for five seconds)

"Or listen to this favorite, used at the last Patriots game:"

(Dead silence for five seconds)

"order yours today!"

(or something like that)

Check it to pancakes! Pancakes!

by Picky on Dec 3, 2007 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

Josh Thomas

Ok Josh Thomas sucks. He was horrible yesterday and was a poor man's freeney. What do I mean y that? Well, Freeney often just spins his way out of a play. Josh yesterday constantly was out of position except he did it without even attempting any moves and just seemed ot run straight up field hoping someone would magically run to where he was.

All I know is they need to sign Rice back onto the team because if they think thomas will be a good replacement for freeney then they are smoking something.

Anyway, great job by the offense, specifically Manning and Wayne. I liked how the passing game clicked with minimal dropped passes and guys getting open. It's a shame Manning made that boneheaded INT but meh, he dominated the rest of the game so i can look past it although he has been forcing throws way too much this season. There are 2 issues I have:

-kenton keith needs to elarn how to catch. How many focking little dump passes will he drop this season. SHEESH

-someone smack utecht across the head and get him to hold onto a bloody ball when he cathces it. I swear it seems like he fumbles 20% of his receptions.

As for the D, it was junk and just better have been a fluke and not a sign of how they will play here on out. I realize when Brock went out they were running 3 rookie DTs but the main issue I had was with poor tackling by LBs and DBs and piss poor coverage by hayden and jackson.

Oh and why do they even bring Rushing in on obvious passing situations? Rushing sucks and can't cover. He's decent at kick returning but blows in the secondary.

by Rob L on Dec 3, 2007 9:45 AM EST reply actions

Rushing

I don't know what you are talking about. I think Rushing has been quite good as a CB.

by MasterRWayne on Dec 3, 2007 11:15 AM EST reply actions

and he can hit

One of the Jags TEs had to leave the game to get his helmet fixed after a Rushing hit knocked some of the padding out of his helmet and onto the field.

I'm a blogger now http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com/

by shake n bake on Dec 3, 2007 12:26 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with Rob here...

If you make a hit on one or two plays the whole game, that doesn't make you a good corner. He got faked out, juked out, and plain beaten times. If a Jag pulled a hook to get it front, Rushing did nothing to stop it - just stared at him as he caught the ball and then hit him. Note to TJ: You're name is not Bob Sanders, you are not going to hit hard enough to cause an incomplete pass or fumbe 98% of the time. But if you let the Jags covert every third down, they might score.

I am really upset that one of the best tackles I saw today came from a guy wearing #18 on his jersey. Look at the tape, he threw the pick, didn't even grimace, put himself in position, set himself square, and went in low with his shoulder to take Nelson's feet from out under him. If Hagler or Hayden had done that a few times each, the score would have been Colts 28 Jags 17.

I really hope the Colts sit down and figure out why their stupid draw play ALWAYS catches us off guard. They could run that play three times a drive and make it well into our territory on those plays alone. Maybe play a little Bob Sanders Spy defense. Bob can watch the ball and either drop into coverage or fly to the line depending on what he sees. It also helps the Jags when Spicer and friends "put a little extra in [the Refs) check" and don't get called for at least four false starts and untold of holdings.

by Bullard47 on Dec 3, 2007 3:37 PM EST reply actions

Tackle

No one tackled well yesterday and that has not usually been the case this year. I still really like Rushing because the guy has made some serious improvement at CB. The drafted him with the knowledge that he would never play CB in the NFL. He really worked on his game and has played very well this year. He still has some areas to work on but overall I am very happy with his improvement.

by MasterRWayne on Dec 3, 2007 3:50 PM EST reply actions