The Colts outrun Jaguars and restore order in the AFC South…

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis Game Recap

Everyone knew coming into this game that the AFC South was up for grabs, for many seasons the Colts have been the run away winners in the division with the other teams simply fighting for second place but this season was different. The Colts have faced many obstacles this season but have not given up or given in to the ‘bad luck’, there have been many ups and downs this season but the Colts have stayed true to form. Manning and the offense have thrown the ball all over the field (with the results not being the best at times) and they have had success but not as much as in the past but the running game has been less than average and that has put a lot of pressure on the offense. For Jacksonville their theme this season has been, ‘run,run,run’ and they have been powered by the legs of Maurice Jones-Drew and David Garrard. Moreover Garrard has been an efficient quarterback this season and when he has been asked to make a play with his legs or with his arms he has done so, what to say about Jones-Drew other than he has done what he has been doing since he came into the league getting tough yards and running over defenses. In this matchup, Jacksonville looked to maintain the lead in the South and to solidify the playoff spot, Indianapolis looked to continue with their dominance in the South division by winning and controlling their own destiny. Let’s get to the highlights:

In the first quarter the Colts looked at home in the dome and it was a welcome sight to have Austin Collie back in the line up so much so that Manning hit Collie for a 7-yard touchdown pass capping off an 8 play 82-yard drive, that was all the action in the quarter so at the end of the first the score Jacksonville 0, Indianapolis 7.

In the second quarter there was much more action the Jags got on the board courtesy of a Josh Scobee 22-yard field goal but Indy struck back quickly with a Manning to Collie 27-yard touchdown pass, after an 11 play 92-yard drive. Jacksonville put points on the board right before the half off a Mike Thomas 78-yard punt return and the score at the half Jacksonville 10, Indianapolis 14.

To start the third quarter Donald Brown scored off a 43-yard run and the Colts had it all working, after Jacksonville gave the ball back to Indy, Vinatieri tacked on a 34-yard field goal and the Colts were riding high but the Jaguars were not giving up as David Garrard hit Mike Sims-Walker for a 6-yard touchdown pass and at the end of three it was Jaguars 17, Colts 24.

> Find Indianapolis Colts hats & Merchandise online through Pro Football Fans for all your team gear!

In the fourth quarter big players play big and Vinatieri started it out with a 37-yard field goal putting more distance between the two teams, but that pesky Jacksonville team just would not give up Garrard again found Sims-Walker from a yard out for a touchdown. As they lined up for an onside kick with little time remaining, Hagler for the Colts recovers and runs the ball 41-yards for the final score of the game and that will do it Jacksonville 24, Indianapolis 34.

Key Statistics:

Jacksonville Jaguars

David Garrard 24 for 38 294 yards 2 touchdowns 1 interception

Maurice Jones-Drew 15 rushes 46 yards 0 touchdowns

Mike Sims-Walker 4 receptions 42 yards 2 touchdowns

Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning 29 for 39 229 yards 2 touchdowns 0 interceptions

Donald Brown 14 rushes 129 yards 1 touchdown

Austin Collie 8 receptions 87 yards 2 touchdowns

The Colts now control their own destiny and must win out the rest of the season to make the playoffs. The key for this game was stopping a potent rushing attack and having the offense click on all cylinders and establish an effective running game. If the Colts can do this the remainder of the season, it could make for an interesting playoff run.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer