By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Jaguars’ team that was destined for the 2021 first pick in the NFL draft win its first game of the season.
Numbers from the first game vs. division opponent Indianapolis would indicate that the Colts won the game easily.
Total Yards: Colts 445, Jaguars 221. First downs: Colts 27, Jaguars 17.
But the big stat that the Jaguars won was turnover margin: 2-0
The Jaguars defense is built on speed and quickness…
Jacksonville attacked the Colts’ run game and their strong offensive line with movement along the defensive line and added extra defenders in the box. This was available because of the inability of QB Philip Rivers to run and use his legs against the fast-flowing defense. The other factor was the Colts do not threaten defenses downfield because of the lack of Rivers ability to consistently push the ball downfield anymore.
A big loss for the Jaguar defense is safety Jarrod Wilson who landed on the IR after the game with a hamstring injury. Wilson is a solid player with speed and cover ability and the Jags do not have a viable replacement.
