JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida Sports Channel) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) defeated their AFC South rival Indianapolis Colts (3-3) 37-20. The Jags also beat the Colts in the opening game of this season, 31-21. This was the Jaguars’ first game back in Jacksonville after winning two games overseas against the Falcons and Bills, becoming the first team in the NFL to play and win back-to-back games in London.
Colts QB Gardner Minshew, formerly with the Jaguars. Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)
Former Jaguar, Gardner Minshew II, started for the Colts at quarterback, as Florida Gators alumnus, Anthony Richardson, remains injured. The Colts scored a 28 yard field goal by K Matt Gay on their first drive of the game, putting them up 3-0, which remained the score at the end of the first quarter.
The Jaguars also scored to cap off their first drive of the game, as RB Travis Etienne Jr. ran two yards into the end zone for a touchdown early in the second quarter, followed by K Brandon McManus’ extra point, putting the Jaguars ahead 7-3. Soon after, Jaguars LB Josh Allen forced the Colts’ Minshew to fumble, and the Jags’ DE Angelo Blackson recovered the ball. On the next play, Etienne ran 22 yards into the end zone for a touchdown, again followed by McManus’ extra point, putting the Jags ahead 14-3. Late in the second quarter, Jags fans were excited by S Andre Cisco’s interception of a Minshew pass intended for WR Michael Pittman Jr. That drive culminated with a 29 yard QB Trevor Lawrence pass to WR Christian Kirk, followed by McManus’ extra point, putting the Jaguars ahead 21-3. Matt Gay kicked a 54 yard field goal, narrowing the Colts deficit to 21-6 heading into the half.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)
Early in the third quarter, Jaguars S Rayshawn Jenkins intercepted another Minshew pass, also intended for Pittman. That scoring drive ended with a McManus 48 yard field goal, extending the Jaguars lead to 24-6. Later that quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 10 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange. After McManus added the extra point, the Jags were ahead 31-6, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Gardner Minshew completed a 2 yard pass to WR Josh Downs. After Matt Gay’s extra point, the Colts were now down 31-13. The Colts next possession ended after another Minshew pass intended for Pittman was intercepted by CB Darious Williams in the end zone. But the Colts did manage to score another touchdown on their next drive, as RB Zack Moss ran 3 yards into the end zone. After Matt Gay’s extra point, the score was now 31-20. The Jags added a 49 yard McManus field goal on their next possession, extending their lead to 34-20. McManus added a 51 yard field goal soon after, putting the Jags ahead 37-20, which remained the score at the end of the game. Trevor Lawrence left the game with a knee injury, so fans are hopeful it’s not too serious.
Trevor Lawrence finished with 181 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 55 yards and 2 touchdowns. Christian Kirk was the leading receiver with 49 yards and 1 touchdown.
Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer. Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)
Today’s game was the Jaguars’ “Crucial Catch” game, an initiative to empower fans to take their health into their own hands by getting screened for cancer, educated on the importance of early detection, and discovering ways to reduce their cancer risk. Since 2009, every team plays one game each year to support this partnership between the NFL and the American Cancer Society.
Today’s attendance was 64,851. The Jaguars head to New Orleans to face the Saints on Thursday night, 10/19. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
