| Running back Donald Brown will look to get the running game going against a weak Jacksonville rush defense. (AP) |
Jaguars at Colts -- Week 3
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium -- Indianapolis, In. (turf, indoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Colts by 3
Records: Jaguars (Overall: 0-2, AFC South: 0-1); Colts (Overall: 1-1, AFC South: 0-0)
Past results: Three most recent meetings -- Jan. 1, 2012: Jaguars 19, Colts 13; Nov. 13, 2011: Jaguars 17, Colts 3; Dec. 19, 2010: Colts 34, Jaguars 24. Series record: Colts lead the series 15-7.
What matters: The Colts' two biggest weaknesses -- running the ball and defending the pass -- align perfectly with Jacksonville's. The Jags are one of the league's worst in terms of throwing the ball and stopping the run, and they really haven't been strong in other areas. In fact, they have the league's worst offense. Indy's defense, which has been solid against the run despite a host of injuries up front, will have its hands full for the second consecutive week with Maurice Jones-Drew. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson only managed 60 yards on 16 carries a week ago.
Who matters: At this point, wide receiver Austin Collie's status remains in question, but Reggie Wayne and Donnie Avery have been good enough to make up for his absence. This week, though, running backs Donald Brown and Vick Ballard should have an opportunity to to run the ball effectively -- something they haven't done consistently this season.
Key matchup: Colts front vs. Jones-Drew. Again -- as it was last week -- this game depends on how well the Indy front seven can slow MJD. It hasn't been a typical year production-wise for Jones-Drew through two games, but he torched the Colts D last season for 283 yards in two games. Indy will be without inside linebacker Pat Angerer (foot), and starters Cory Redding (knee) and Dwight Freeney (ankle) are both very questionable at this point, presenting another challenge for a group of young replacements.
Injuries of note: As mentioned, the defense may be without three of its seven starters up front, which could obviously pose a problem against the Jaguars run-heavy offense. Collie, who has missed the first two games after sustaining a concussion during the preseason, is also questionable.
Inside stuff: Inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman, Angerer's replacement, has led the team in tackles each of the first two games. He also has a interception return for a touchdown and a forced fumble -- all in his first year as a pro. It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff uses him once Angerer returns, which is still in a few weeks.
Connections: A group of former Rams will be reunited Sunday, as WR Donnie Avery and CB Justin King for the Colts will face off against former cohorts DE George Selvie and WR Laurent Robinson. The four played for St. Louis at different times through 2009 and '10.
Stat you should know: Indianapolis is one of the most penalized teams in the NFL. They'll not want to give the Jags any extra yards, especially since Jacksonville has so much trouble gaining them on its own.
Bulletin board quote: This one probably won't go on the Jags' bulletin board, but it may find its way to some creative writing teacher's classroom because head coach Chuck Pagano went metaphor crazy when describing Maurice Jones-Drew: “You can’t see him. You can’t find him. He’s like a rolling ball of butcher knives running up through there. He’s got legs like tree trunks, I call them two sequoias, you know? I told our guys if you try to hit this guy high and you don’t wrap up, you’ll bounce off him like bees on a tin can."
Record watch: Reggie Wayne needs two touchdowns to move into third place on the Colts' all-time list, surpassing running back Edgerrin James. This is notable because, if Wayne can pull it off Sunday, James will be there to see it happen, as he will be inducted into Indianapolis' Ring of Honor at halftime.
Looking ahead: The Colts will have a chance to lick their wounds, as they head into a bye week after Sunday's game. From there, they may carry a winning record into a matchup with Green Bay the following week in Indianapolis.
Prediction: Colts 30, Jaguars 21
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.