After three incredible games that we're decided in the final 40 seconds, all ending with a win for the Jags, Byron Leftwich was unable to lead his team to a fourth-straight win, as the Colts stole a 24-17 victory in Alltel Stadium.
Jack Del Rio was able to get his men to do everything they needed to stay competitive. Unfortunately it was not enough to win the game. The game plan was to keep Peyton Manning off the field, and dominate on the ground game.
They kept Manning off the field, leading the Colts in time of possession by over ten minutes, but the running game struggled. Indy outrushed Jacksonville 117 to 97 on the ground. It didn't help that both starting tackles, Mike Pearson and Maurice Williams, we're lost for the game in the second half due to injuries. Pearson's injury appeared to be a season-ending injury. He was accidentally leg whipped by a Colts defender, and his leg was twisted awkwardly. His leg was literally bent at the knee and parallel to the ground. On two occasions the Jags were stuffed by the Colts undersized but speedy front seven on fourth and one.
Byron Leftwich had a breakout performance and ended up with better stats than Peyton Manning. Leftwich went 29-of-41 for 318 yards, one TD, and no INTs. The 29 completions was a career high for Leftwich. Manning ended up throwing for 220 yards on 20-of-29 and two TDs. He threw one interception that came in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Daryl Smith tipped a pass, and caught it with his right hand just before it hit the ground. The play was initially ruled incomplete, and Del Rio threw the red flag to challenge the play. It was correctly reversed. That play set up a 40 yard touchdown pass from Byron Leftwich to Jimmy Smith on fourth-and-inches.
The game resulted in a loss, but the Jags should hold their chins high. They hosted a dominant offense, and held the Colts to the same amount of points the defending champion New England Patriots held them to, 24. The Jaguars had a big day passing the ball, and got some production from Reggie Williams, Troy Edwards, and Ernest Wilford. The defense was able to hang in and slow down Peyton Manning. In the locker room after the game, you could see everyone was crushed by the loss. The players showed passion, and they showed that winning is on their mind, which is something that means a lot to the city of Jacksonville.
We all know it's not good to look ahead, and Jack Del Rio will be the first to tell you that the Jaguars will continue to take this season one week at a time. A quarter of the way through their schedule the Jags record stands at an impressive 3-1 and they are tied atop the AFC South with the Colts. But how could you possibly not look ahead at the fact that a rematch in Indianapolis looms on the schedule just three weeks from now?
And don't think for one second that the Jaguars don't realize the Super Bowl will be played in their house this year.
Next Week @ San Diego (2-2)
