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After breaking down film of the Colts and Jaguars, Scouts Inc. runs down what to pay attention to during Thursday night's game.• The Colts must get off the field on their third down defense. The Colts' defense is very active, but they are small and they can be worn down by a physical run game or an opponent that dominates the time of possession. The Colts are last in the NFL in third down defense and a part of the problem is offenses run the ball well against them on first and second downs, which sets up favorable third-down situations. As we get closer to the playoffs, when teams like to run the ball, it remains to be seen if the Colts' defense will wear down.
More Notes
Check out eight more things Gary Horton thinks you will see during this matchup. Insider • The Jaguars' running game is sputtering and the offensive line has marginal consistency, so Jacksonville may need to depend on QB David Garrard's arm to produce big plays. He has good skills, but seems to press at times and does not always take care of the football. The Colts will be sitting in their tight Cover 2 zones, so he will have to make tight throws into small windows. If the Jags can establish an early run game and set up play-action, Garrard could make some plays, but the Colts' defense is usually disciplined and not out of position. Plus, the Colts' front four should dominate the Jags' offensive line, which will force Garrard into mistakes.
Gary Horton, a pro scout for Scouts Inc., has been a football talent evaluator for more than 30 years. He spent 10 years in the NFL and 10 years at the college level before launching a private scouting firm, The War Room.
