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Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars Game Preview

By Jonathan Loesche


Indianapolis Colts (10-4) GAME #15 Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9)
Colts_icon_medium

VS.
Date: December, 18th 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
 Stadium: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
TV: NFLN
 Favorite: Colts -6.5
Radio: Click Here Over/Under: 45
Weather:
 High  64, Clear
 Injury Report:
 Colts Injury Report
SBN Coverage: Stampede Blue Coverage Map
 Your nearest Sports Bar

The Peyton Manning can go to Hell edition


I know I've said this alot lately, but this certainly wasn't the game we thought it would be when the schedule was announced, I had the Jaguars at 12-2 and playing for Home Field Advantage in this game. Yep and one of my goals at FSU was to eventually land Jenn Sterger in the sack. Neither one of those went according to plan. Instead we have what'll likely be our last "Nationally"(I use that term in the same vein as Miley Cyrus is a singer) televised game for awhile unless we catch fire next season and make a Flex game. Ohwell, at least we get Chris Collinsworth in the booth, and if his work in Madden 2009 was any indication, theres no better analyst at telling you after the fact throwing into triple coverage was a bad idea.

Things to watch for: Jacksonville Jaguars

1. Pass Rush: It's no secret that Peyton Manning becomes the best tap dancer this side of the Mississippi if his jersey gets dirty. Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey have begun to come around, and this was THE game they were our 2008 draft.

2. Sweep: As everyone has said, it's all about small victories now. While NFL rivalries will never be on par with a UF-FSU type "If we go 1-10 and the one win was over our rival it was a good year" a 2-0 record against the Colts would serve as a building block.

3. Dennis Northcutt: With Matt Jones gone, I was amazed to find out the Jaguars had another eligible receiver besides MJD. Hopefully he keeps the momentum from the Packers game going and provides a deep threat.

4. Send out the home crowd happy: The Jags need a win to avoid a repeat of the worst home record in franchise history. A win over the Colts that throws a wrench into their playoff plans will be a cherry on top.

5. Chris and Collin: Seriously, just do the most over the top thing possible to get on TV. Remember, any publicity is good publicity.

Things to Watch for: Indianapolis Colts

1. Run defense: The game in Indy was one of the few times the Jaguars managed to run the ball well at all. Despite no Fred Taylor, you can bet they'll load up to try and take the run away.

2. Joseph Addai: I was overjoyed when I learned the Colts let RB Edge James go in Free Agency. I figured it would make them a once demensional team. I was wrong.

3. National TV: Unless it's a playoff game, the Colts always play their best in front of a national TV audience. Proof, a 29-7 win over the Jags on MNF last year.

4. Peyton Manning: He's having a MVP caliber season, though I'm sure he'd take a playoff spot over the award. A top caliber performance could net both.

5. Reggie Wayne: I don't care what anyone else says, Wayne has been THE Jaguar killer the past several years. Covering him and Harrision will be a must for a shot.


Player on the Hot seat

David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville

If we are in this game in the 4th quarter, it will mean one of two things, Gregg Williams finally earned a paycheck or Garrard has kept up with Manning. I think #2 is far more likely.

 

Prediction

Colts 27

Jaguars 16

It will be close through out, but I see Indy mounting a gut punching 4th qt drive to make it a two score game.

-John "If the Cardinals host a playoff game at 8-8, there is no argument left to change the rules regarding division champs and wildcards."

 

PS: As I outlined in an email to Chris, Collin, and Tkopa I'll be taking a lesser role on the site for awhile now. I have an article in the works regarding the United Football League and one on my thoughts on a post-salary cap NFL(We all know it's coming with the new CBA) but those are more dead zone topics. As for now, incase you feel like getting whipped in Madden 09, my PSN ID is Nole1021 and my XBL SN is FSBlueApocalypse. Nevermind on the Xbox Live as I forgot my copy of Madden for the 360 was an ahem, back up.

 

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