Colts vs. Jaguars Game Recap

The game was like a heavyweight title fight, one would throw a punch and the other would respond with a punch. The Jacksonville Jags came into the game with a chip on their shoulder, the Jags wanted to prove that they belong (even though the record doesn’t show it) and what better way to show that than to dethrone the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. The Colts came into the game with the division locked up and home field advantage in the playoffs secure, so what was left to play for? Indianapolis’ coach Jim Caldwell made an incredible decision; he chose to play his starters that were healthy this is a move that is unprecedented for the Colts who normally rest starters when the playoffs are clinched and in sight. At this point I don’t know if the undefeated season is the motivation (I would assume for every player it is) as much as keeping those starters in playing shape without a let down, they must stay sharp in order to make a run. You can win all the games in the regular season, but if you don’t win that final game the season is disappointing (just ask New England).

The Jags came out ready to make a statement on Thursday night against the Colts. Maurice Jones Drew loves to play Indianapolis and has big games against them and Thursday night was no different. MJD ran at will against Indy, with Mathis and Freeney on the bench resting, Jones-Drew was a beast on the ground making play after play. With MJD on point, David Garrard was also steady at the quarterback position making the plays when Jacksonville needed it. You must know though we are talking about the Indianapolis Colts they have won every way possible this season and just as I said they win. No matter the opponent, no matter they circumstance, they just find a way to win. Thursday night was no different, Peyton Manning was on point as he started 12 for 12 in the game, he finished going 23 for 30 throwing for over 300 yards and passing for 4 touchdowns on the night. Dallas Clark was the target of the night with 2 touchdowns, but the big play was a 65 yard pass play to Reggie Wayne in the fourth quarter putting the Colts ahead. Jacksonville looked as though they may drive down the field and jump ahead but David Garrard threw an errant pass and Jacob Lacey made the interception to seal the deal for Indianapolis. The Colts just keep doing it as they beat Jacksonville 35-31 in an incredible game on Thursday night.

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The big question coming up for the Colts is will they continue to rest those who are injured and play those who are healthy or will they sit all starters for rest purposes to get ready for the playoffs? The Colts are a high powered offense that needs to keep in rhythm in all phases of the passing game. With a run game that is non-existent, the passing game is vital for this offense and the success that they look to have in the playoffs. I feel that if Indy is to keep up the pace they must keep that rhythm and maintain the level of intensity and that means playing those starters, in my opinion. As we know my opinion isn’t the one that counts, it is Coach Caldwell’s, this winning streak is good for Indianapolis, the city, the fans and the team and I think that the coach can see it also. I will say this Coach Caldwell has made all the right moves and in any decision I think we can trust he has the best in mind for the team. Look for Indianapolis to be ready to play the New York Jets and be sure to check back here at pro football-fans.com to see the game preview later this week.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Indianapolis Colts Correspondent