Jags cruise by the Colts, AFC South lead up to 3 games - WTOC

Jacksonville Controls the Colts as AFC South Lead Expands

Indianapolis hadn’t won in Jacksonville since 2014. That streak stood at 11 straight victories for the Jaguars in home games, including one played at Wembley. As WTOC reported, it felt like as soon as the ball was kicked that number improved to 12.

Jacksonville controlled their showdown with the Colts in every way imaginable, opening the game with a 12-play, 98-yard drive that consumed seven minutes of the game clock. Despite playing limited snaps before the bye week, Brian Thomas Jr. hauled in the Jaguars’ first score from 12 yards out.

The first quarter ended and the second started with an exchange of punts before the Jacksonville defense forced the game’s first turnover. Following a 14-yard connection between Daniel Jones and Keenan Allen, an exchange between Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs ended up on the ground, and Bryan Thomas Jr. recovered the fumble.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Offense

Trevor Lawrence delivered another signature escape from the pocket to find Nate Boerkircher for a 31-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0. After forcing the Colts’ fourth punt, Jacksonville answered with a ground strike as Bhayshul Tuten slipped multiple tacklers for a run just shy of 40 yards into the end zone.

Indianapolis did manage a fumble strip when Jaylahn Tuimoloau punched the ball away from Trevor Lawrence for Caden Curry to recover. However, Daniel Jones gave the points right back on the next possession when his pass was tipped and intercepted by Rayuan Lane, who returned it 92 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-0 at halftime. It marked Lane’s first career interception.

Second-Half Momentum and Final Stats

The third quarter started slowly before both Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten found the end zone for Jacksonville, while Josh Downs finally ended the shutout for Indianapolis. The fourth quarter remained scoreless after Anthony Richardson and Quinn Ewers took over at quarterback.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 210 yards, attempting just 14 passes and completing 10 with three touchdowns. Bhayshul Tuten delivered his first career 100-yard game, leading the Jaguars in both rushing and receiving while scoring two touchdowns. In what may have been Jonathan Taylor’s final game as a Colt, he managed 8 carries for 23 yards and 4 receptions for 24 yards.

This marked the Jaguars’ first home game since September 27, when they defeated the Patriots 35-6. They do not return home for another three weeks, when they face the Tennessee Titans.