Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) – Indianapolis Colts (3-3): 37-20
The Jaguars are the kings of the South. In a duel at the top of the division against the Colts, Doug Pederson’s men dominated this match head and shoulders to reinforce their favorite status. Well led by a Travis Etienne (83 yards, 2 TD) on big nights and a Trevor Lawrence (20/30, 181 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) in “good father” mode.
Less success for the Colts, with Jonathan Taylor (65 yards) still inside and Gardner Minshew (33/55, 329 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT) who came back to earth. Too many individual errors (4 lost balls) in attack and defense ended up creating a hole in the first act. Only Matt Gay seemed at his level.
Etienne is radiant
If it is indeed the Colts who open the scoring with a field goal, the first half belongs exclusively to the Jaguars. By emphasizing the ground game, Travis Etienne explodes the defense with two consecutive touchdowns in the first quarter (14-3). Not the same success for the Colts, since Gardner Minshew lost a ball on a sack by Josh Allen before throwing a first interception for Andre Cisco.
Doug Pederson’s men did not let up the pressure, and scored a new touchdown by Christian Kirk (49 yards, 1 TD), completing the Florida demonstration despite a field goal from Matt Gay before halftime (21-6).
Gardner Minshew on a bad day
The second act begins with the same dynamic, with an offering from Minshew for Rayshawn Jenkins, who in turn intercepts the quarterback. Jacksonville took the opportunity to add 3 points (24-6). A few minutes later, it was Brenton Strange (27 yards, 1 TD) who also added points (31-6).
With its back to the wall, Indianapolis will come back for the honor, with a touchdown from Josh Downs, the rookie from North Carolina (31-13). The Jaguars then lose concentration, and Trevor Lawrence offers JuJu Brents an easy interception. But Gardner Minshew is still in the fog, and throws another interception, in the end zone, for Darious Williams. Never completely defeated, Steichen’s men fight and come back to two possessions thanks to the runner in form of the moment: Zack Moss (31-20).
But Jacksonville is in control, and calmly manages the end of the match, adding points to keep a good lead (37-20).
