Jaguars Ruins Colts Playoff Hopes

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been an absolute disaster this season. Head coaching drama and poor play on the field had the team enter their Week 18 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts with only two wins. Despite their struggles, the coaching staff and players were still looking to end the season on a high note. A win on Sunday afternoon would be a huge morale boost for Jacksonville because it would eliminate their division rivals from playoff contention.

 First Half

It was clear from the opening kickoff that the Jaguars were not going to take it easy on the Colts. Jacksonville started the game with one of their best drives of the season. They took more than seven minutes off the clock before they scored on a two-yard touchdown pass to Laquon Treadwell. The Colts responded with a field goal on their first drive of the second quarter. The Jaguars put together two more long drives before the end of the half. Unfortunately, they had to settle for short field goals on both drives. They went to the locker room at halftime with a 13-3 lead.

 Second Half

Jacksonville’s dominance continued into the second half. The defense forced a fumble on the fourth play of the third quarter. The Jaguars settled for another field goal to push the lead to 13 points. The defense simply did not give the Colts any chances to get back into the game. An interception halfway through the third quarter created another great opportunity for the offense. They were able to cash in this time thanks to a wonderful touchdown catch by Marvin Jones.

Jacksonville added to the lead midway through the fourth quarter with another field goal from Matthew Wright. The Colts eventually found the endzone for the first time with just over four minutes left on the clock. After scoring on the two-point conversion, Indianapolis trailed 26-11. They never touched the ball again as the Jacksonville offense wound down the clock to end the game.

 Future Outlook

The Jaguars are unlikely to be playoff contenders any time soon, but this win was certainly a great way to end a rough season. With the Detroit Lions also winning on Sunday afternoon, Jacksonville will still get the first selection in the upcoming NFL draft. Since they have the quarterback position locked up, look for the team to draft an offensive or defensive lineman this spring.