Behind Enemy Lines: 5 Questions Ahead of the Colts’ Matchup With the Jaguars

Heading into the Colts’ second outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars we reached out to Ryan Day of Big Cat Country to ask a few questions about this Jaguars team.

1. The Jaguars have a relatively easy schedule to finish out the season and it seems almost certain that they will win the division and make the playoffs even with the Titans hanging around in the mix. What is the ceiling for this team?

The ceiling is however good (or not bad) Blake Bortles is going to be. The passing game has been in a rut all season with few exceptions and the lack of depth at tight end and wide receiver isn't helping. Granted, a good quarterback can elevate mediocre players around him, but I think that's an unrealistic expectation for Blake so the rest of the team has to elevate him in order for them to be successful. Backwards, I know, but it's gotten us to 7-4 and within a half-game of the AFC South lead. If Blake suddenly flips a switch and becomes just mediocre -- converting key third downs and erasing mistakes -- the ceiling is the Super Bowl. I don't think that's outlandish either. We have the best defense and the most productive run game in the NFL with an offensive line setting franchise marks in sacks allowed. Why wouldn't Super Bowl contention be an expectation with a decent player under center?

2. What has been the biggest struggle for this team down the stretch this season?

Health. We've been hit hard by the injury bug, especially at receiver and running back. When your top three receivers are Dede Westbrook, Marqise Lee, and Keelan Cole you're in trouble.

3. On what is a pretty talented roster all around, who do you think is the Jaguars' MVP to this point in the season?

Calais Campbell. His production on the field is near the top in the league and his impact on the sidelines and off the field makes this defense better. He's one of the best free agent additions in a long, long time.

4. How has the addition of Marcell Dareus just before the trade deadline impacted this team?

Well, we were around 29th in the league in run defense before getting Dareus and since getting him we're 1st. So... you tell me. He's such an impact player and though he won't show up on the stat sheet, his impact is undeniable. He is regularly double-teamed and allows the linebackers to move in space. He's such a good midseason signing.

5. As far as the stat sheets go, rookie wide receivers Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole haven't seemed to have major impacts this season. What do you think of their potential?

They're... okay? Westbrook has certainly flashed potential and with injuries to Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, he's getting the lion's share of the targets alongside Marqise Lee. And Cole has been as productive as you can ask of a UDFA. But they're not long-term answers as starters. If you're depending on those two to carry your receiving game you're in trouble.