The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2020 season will come to an end Sunday, which means fans will soon get to focus on what will be an important offseason. Before we get to that point, one game remains and it will be against their longtime rivals in the Indianapolis Colts.
The two teams last met Week 1 of this season in a game where the Jags were able to win by a score of 27-20. With a lot changing since that moment, we sat down with Colts Wire editor Kevin Hickey to discuss the current state of Indy.
Here are five questions he was kind enough to answer as the Jags and Colts will wrap up the 2020 regular season:
Jags Wire: think we’d all agree that Sunday’s game is the Colts’ to win, but they need help to get in the playoffs. Do you think they get that from another team? If so, who?
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Hickey: That’s the big question. The Colts could very well finish the season 11-5 and be the second team ever to have that record and miss the playoffs. It’s tough to answer because we don’t know which teams will be resting their starters. It seems the Steelers are using the week to rest given they’ve done all they can. So that likely means the Browns will win.
The game to watch for the Colts will be the Dolphins and Bills. If Josh Allen and the rest of the crew plays in Buffalo, the Colts could sneak in.
Another game to keep an eye on will be in our own division. If the Texans beat the Titans, the Colts would win the division and own the No. 4 seed. All Colts fans are Texans fans this weekend.
JW: The Jags are looking at a change at general manager and the Colts have one of the hottest names they could interview in Ed Dodds. Could you talk about the job he’s done since coming to Indy?
(AP Photo)
KH: Dodds is certainly someone who should be on the Jaguars’ radar. He’s been the second in command to Chris Ballard ever since he arrived and has been a monumental piece in building the roster over the last few years.
Dodds brings extensive work into the scouting department for the Colts and understands what it takes to build a culture in the locker room. He and Ballard see eye to eye in that building, understanding that a certain culture can go a long way in roster development.
Dodds absolutely wants to be a general manager but he also knows he will only get one shot at it so there’s a chance he sticks around in Indy. But he should be someone the Jaguars target because he has played a major role in the construction of the roster.
JW: Another name who could get some interest from the Jags is their defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Could you talk about the job he’s done with that defense?
Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus speaks to the media during the Colts mandatory minicamp at the Colts Complex on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.
Colts Minicamp
KH: From Day 1, Eberflus took over the defense both from a schematic standpoint and from a mentality standpoint. Eberflus will implement a defense that primarily runs zone while working mostly from a 2-high look. The Colts have begun to implement more of a Cover-3 defense this year because of their personnel. So should Eberflus take the job, expect a lot of rushing with four and dropping seven into coverage.
He also uses some well-designed blitzes but the philosophy is to get home with four. Most importantly, Eberflus knows how to get his players to buy-in to an “all-out” mentality. He has a “loaf” system that is designed to keep players from taking plays off and making sure they play through the whistle. His ability to command a locker room will go a long way when he becomes a head coach.
JW: Who has been a pleasant surprise for Indy’s team since they last met with the Jags?
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
KH: There have been a few players emerging for the Colts, but the biggest surprise is probably Xavier Rhodes. The veteran cornerback has been a stud for the Colts in coverage this season and has made a case to be re-signed this offseason. He’s allowing a 47.8% completion percentage and a 71.6 passer rating in coverage this season. He’s become an important cog in the defense, especially with second-year cornerback Rock Ya-Sin failing to take over a starting role.
JW: What are your predictions for the game Sunday?
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
KH: The Colts should win this one relatively easily. Even without Anthony Castonzo, the Colts have the pieces in place to finish out the season with a run. With how the run game is playing and the way Philip Rivers has played this season, the Colts should exact revenge on their division-mates. I have the Colts winning something like 24-16.
"wire" - Google News
January 02, 2021 at 03:41AM
https://ift.tt/3nawypr
Behind Enemy Lines: Week 17 Q&A with Colts Wire - Jaguars Wire
"wire" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YtvSDd
https://ift.tt/2VUOqKG
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Behind Enemy Lines: Week 17 Q&A with Colts Wire - Jaguars Wire"
Post a Comment