Colts look for second straight win hosting Jacksonville on Sunday

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are coming off a very close win in week 2 over the Vikings. Again, QB Peyton Manning could not get comfortable going 26/42 for 311 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Doesn’t sound bad but it looked bad. And this did not help... the Colts team total for rushing was 34 attempts for 78 yards and 1 touchdown (AND THAT WAS COMBINED FROM WEEKS 1 AND 2!). Although the offense still looked rusty, the Colts’ defense stepped up and kept the Vikings out of the end zone (all 15 points came from kicker Ryan Longwell). Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson made it easy on the Colts’ D by struggling again in Week 2 going 14/24 and 130 yard with no touchdowns. The Indianapolis got a big confidence booster by keeping Adrian Peterson out of the end zone and not allowing any TDs, though they also got deflated as they lose safety Bob Sanders for at least 4 weeks.

Jacksonville Jaguars: In week 2 the Jags fell to 0-2, losing to the Buffalo Bills 20-16. QB David Garrard went 17/28 with 165 yards and 1 interception. Another team that had to rely on the foot of their kicker for most of their points, the Jags could not gain any momentum as Maurice Jones-Drew scored the lone touchdown for Jacksonville. The team rushed for a combined 98 yards on 27 carries…illustrating another team that has talent but none of it is coming out in the rushing game. Like the Colts, the Jags QB was pressured and no offense could really get going. On the defensive side, the Jungle Cats held the Bills to 75 yards rushing but were not able to contain the passing game as Buffalo QB Trent Edwards went 20/25 for 239 yards and 1 touchdown. This looks like the perfect blueprint that the Colts could capitalize on but I know that the Jags will work on their pass defense in practice and I am not sure if a slow starting Indy team will take advantage of it.

Roster Updates/ Injuries

Indianapolis Colts: Safety Bob Sanders out 4-6 weeks with high ankle sprain. The Colts are hoping for the possible return of center Jeff Saturday and tight end Dallas Clark, though neither of them practiced on Wednesday. Other mentionable injuries are that wide receiver Roy Hall is questionable with a knee injury and defensive tackle Keyunta Dawson is probable with an ankle injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars bring back guard Chris Naeole to help injured O-line. Playmakers Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Matt Jones, WR Dennis Northcutt, WR Troy Williamson, and RB Fred Taylor sat out practice Wednesday but are likely to play on Sunday. Linebacker Justin Durant is having an MRI on his groin and is questionable.

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Keys to the Game

This week the main keys to the game are to make your rushing game a factor. Both teams have talented running backs, with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew on Jacksonville and Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes for the Colts. However, with each team barely earning any yards ( neither team reached 100 total rushing yards in week 2) the offense cannot gain momentum for either team because they are not establishing the run. All the experts say to establish the run and that will make the defense honest and open up so the passing game can take affect… and you know what, I agree with that. Neither team has done this and both QBs have not gotten comfortable in the pocket. I believe the Jaguars got a break with Colts’ safety, and defensive leader, Bob Sanders getting injured and not playing because that might cause some weaknesses in the Indianapolis secondary and rush defense. Last thing… the 0-2 Jags know that Giants started 0-2 last year and won the Super Bowl but they know falling to 0-3 causes history to go against them playing for a title game or making the playoffs. They will be motivated and ready to play.

Colts vs Vikings Prediction

I cheated this week, well not exactly. I accidentally saw that Vegas has Indy favored and I have learned you should never bet against Vegas. I believe this will be a low scoring game with a few big plays making the difference in the end. Both teams are equally bad in the running game and the Colts’ have a slight passing advantage with Manning. Regardless, Jacksonville does not want to drop to 0-3 but I believe their momentum will not be able to carry them pass the Colts. The Colts are an elite team with elite talent, though it hasn’t shone too bright this year, and I believe a long run, pass or a special teams play will allow the Colts to ride all over Jaguars. Colts by 10 or less.

By Nathan Miller
ProFootball-fans.com Indianapolis Colts Correspondent