The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts in their first game of the season 31-21. This is the Jaguars’ first win in Indianapolis since 2017 and Trevor Lawrence’s first week-one win of his career. The Jaguars sit alone atop the AFC South.
Both teams got off to a slow start as the first three possessions of the game resulted in a punt. During the Jaguars’ second possession, Jacksonville came out of the gates firing with a nine-play, 61-yard touchdown drive. Trevor Lawrence hit newly acquired wide receiver Calvin Ridley in the red zone for a nine-yard touchdown, his first score since 2021.
The Colts’ offense would bounce back immediately in their next possession with an impressive 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. A 22-yard pass from rookie Anthony Richardson to Joshua Downs helped set the Colts up in the red zone. Richardson ran the ball up the middle for a two-yard score leading to the first touchdown of his career, tying the game at seven.
Trevor Lawrence would throw an interception on their ensuing possession which was a tipped ball off the hands of rookie running back Tank Bigsby. Trevor and the Jaguars’ offense bounced back with a seven-play, 57-yard touchdown drive that gave them the lead 14-7 at the half.
The third quarter was a struggle for the Jaguars as they allowed a 63-yard touchdown drive on the Colts’ opening possession and Trevor Lawrence had a fumble recovered for a defensive touchdown.
The Jaguars would regain momentum in the fourth quarter with a huge Jamal Agnew punt return of 48 yards, a one-yard touchdown by Tank Bigsby, and a 26-yard touchdown run by Travis Etienne to put them ahead 31-21. Jacksonville had a rocky start to the second half but closed the game on a very strong note, in all three phases of the game.
Despite the two turnovers, Lawrence had a very solid season debut finishing 24/32 for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Calvin Ridley was phenomenal in his Jags debut with eight catches for 101 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, Josh Allen arguably had the best game of his career with 10 tackles, three sacks, and three tackles for a loss.
Jacksonville looked shaky at times but still found a way to persevere through the adversity the Colts presented all afternoon. Jacksonville will prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at home in week 2.