In an AFC South showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts had one of the worst losses in franchise history. The Jaguars have now pulled off two of the biggest upsets in the NFL this season, after beating the Buffalo Bills back in Week 9. The Colts needed to beat the Jaguars in order to clinch a wild card spot in the 2022 NFL Playoffs, but they failed to take advantage of the worst team in football. The Colts have not beat the Jaguars in Jacksonville since 2014, and the Jaguars clowned the Colts as they won the game 26-11.
The Colts fell down to an early deficit and were never able to come back and take a lead in the game. Carson Wentz, who has had a very nice back bounce season, struggled mightily versus this Jaguars front and secondary. The Jaguars sacked Wentz six times, forced a fumble, and had one interception. Carson Wentz only completed 17-29 passes for 185 yards and one lone touchdown at the end of the game. Jonathan Taylor, who has been the best back in the NFL this season, was held to 77 yards rushing and was stopped on 4th down on two separate occasions.
The Jaguars were successful in all three phases of the game and dominated the Colts from start to end. On offense, first-round pick Trevor Lawrence had the best game of his young career. Trevor completed 23-32 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Marvin Jones Jr., who needed four catches heading into this Week 18 matchup to receive a $500K bonus, did just that and more. Marvin had seven catches for 88 yards and an insane acrobatic touchdown in the second half. Defensively, Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot were dominating the Colts offensive line as the Jaguars were able to record six defensive sacks. Linebacker Damien Wilson had a huge game as he recorded a forced fumble, an interception, and chipped in a sack as well. On Special Teams, Kicker Matthew Wright went 4/4 on Field Goal attempts and finished the season 21-24.
The Colts, who were destined to make a playoff appearance, had one of the biggest losses in franchise history. The Colts, who traded away a first-round pick to the Eagles in order to acquire Wentz, are probably having doubts now. Wentz has been immune to consistent success in his young career, and Sunday’s outcome was no different. Carson Wentz has only one completion in the postseason in his career and was not able to lead a Colts team back to the postseason after Phillip Rivers had done so last season.
The Jaguars currently have the number one overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. This will be a very busy off-season for both franchises as the Colts look to build around their MVP caliber running back, and the Jaguars will be searching for their next Head Coach.
Links (Click to view):