Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
The Jacksonville Jaguars are still searching for their first win of the 2012 season and are coming off of the worst offensive performance in franchise history. Fortunately that was last week and the Jaguars have a chance to make a new impression this week when they travel to take on the division rival Indianapolis Colts.
Even though the Jaguars find themselves at 0-2, they still have 14 games left this season which gives them plenty of time to show that they are an improved team.
Here are a couple of things to watch in this matchup.
Jaguars On The Mend
For the first time this season we are talking about players the Jaguars are getting back from injury.
The Jaguars expect to have cornerback Derek Cox and defense end Austen Lane back for the first time this season. They also expect cornerback Rashean Mathis to return to his normal role in the starting lineup after he played in a limited role in the Jags first two games.
Having their top two pass defenders back in the lineup should help the other Jaguars defenders focus on stopping the run which they have struggled to do so far this season.
Offensive Rebound?
Despite a glute muscle injury suffered in last week’s game, the Jaguars expect to have starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert on Sunday.
The Jaguars offense has an excellent chance to improve their performance against a Colts defense that is in the middle of transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4. Expect the Jaguars to try and establish the run to help take some of the pressure off of Gabbert and their makeshift offensive line.
First Look At Luck
The Jaguars are getting their first look at the newest quarterback in the division, Andrew Luck.
The Jags defense was not pleased with their performance last week and needs to show improvement this week if they want a chance to win. If the Jaguars struggle to slow the run against a Colts team not known for running the football, it may be time to sound the alarm.
Luck has been fairly impressive in his first two games, but he is still a rookie and the Jaguars defense needs to force him into mistakes.
Prediction
The Jaguars players and coaches were embarrassed by their performance last week and will bounce back strong and win a close game with a last second Josh Scobee field goal.
Jaguars 23 Colts 20
