5 Takeaways From Jaguars Blowout Victory Against the Colts

The Jaguars entered Week 14 tied with the Colts at 8-4, and the stakes could not have been higher. The winner would take complete control of the AFC South heading into the final month of the season. Jacksonville responded with its most complete performance of the year and delivered a dominant win in front of its home crowd.

The Jaguars are rolling with a four-game win streak and continue to look like one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Here are five takeaways from the victory.

Liam Coen Has Fixed Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence is playing some of the best football of his career and has become the leading force behind Jacksonville’s late-season surge. He delivered one of his strongest performances ever in the biggest game of the season and set the tone early against Indianapolis in the pouring rain.

Lawrence finished with more than 250 total yards, two passing touchdowns, and no turnovers. Beyond the box score, he showcased several of the best throws made by any quarterback in Week 14.

The offense has averaged more than 30 points per game over the past six weeks, and Lawrence’s efficiency has skyrocketed since the arrival of Jakobi Meyers. Since the Week 10 collapse to Houston, Lawrence ranks second in passing touchdowns, second in average depth of throw, and second in significant throw rate.

He is also first in success rate since the Meyers trade. Liam Coen has unlocked Lawrence’s rhythm, confidence, and timing, and the results speak for themselves.

Lawrence has elevated to the top five quarterback play as the Jaguars hold the third seed in the AFC and sole possession of the division. He will look to keep the streak alive next week against the Jets.

Brian Thomas Jr. Is Bouncing Back

Brian Thomas Jr. was eased back into the lineup last week as he returned from injury, but the Jaguars opened things up for him with the division on the line. Thomas responded with one of his best games of the season. It was the first time fans had the opportunity to see Thomas and Meyers together for a full workload, and the pairing immediately paid off.

Thomas recorded 87 total yards, highlighted by deep receptions of 39 and 30 yards that helped set up two scoring drives. He did not register a drop and looked explosive at every level of the field.

If Thomas continues to re-emerge as a reliable outside threat, Jacksonville’s offense becomes one of the most dangerous units in the AFC and a potential problem for any defense they face in January.

Offensive Line Depth Is Phenomenal

Jacksonville has dealt with injuries along the offensive line all season. Every starter has missed time, yet the unit continues to deliver strong performances no matter who is available. The next man up mentality has become a defining trait of this team.

Cole Van Lanen has been the ultimate insurance policy. His ability to play left tackle, left guard, right guard, and center tackle has been critical during multiple stretches where the Jaguars had no choice but to rely on him.

Rookies Jonah Monheim and Wyatt Milum have exceeded expectations, and Chuma Edoga has held down the right tackle spot when needed. At several points this season, the backups have even outperformed the starters. With the playoffs approaching, having this level of depth and versatility is an invaluable advantage.

The Best Linebacker Duo in the League

The Jaguars have the top linebacker duo in football, and the Colts felt that impact immediately. Devin Lloyd intercepted Daniel Jones on the first offensive snap of the game, marking his fifth pick of the season. He now has the second-most interceptions in the league despite missing three games.

Lloyd also leads all linebackers in coverage EPA and ranks fourth in pressures. He has been the best linebacker in football this season and is trending toward an All-Pro selection.

Foye Oluokun remains one of the most consistent players at his position. He sits 15th in total tackles with 103, giving him six straight seasons with more than 100 tackles.

According to PFSN’s Linebacker Impact Rankings, Oluokun is the 16th-ranked linebacker in the league and leads all linebackers in splash plays with 16. Together, Lloyd and Oluokun form the strongest positional unit on the roster and one of the most impactful tandems in the NFL.

Top Run Defense Beats Top Run Offense

The marquee battle entering the game was the Colts’ first-ranked rushing attack against the Jaguars’ first-ranked run defense. It was a classic matchup of an unstoppable force versus an immovable object. The immovable object won.

Jonathan Taylor was limited to 3.5 yards per carry with a long run of only 14 yards on 21 attempts, marking his second-worst performance of the season. Jacksonville remains the only team in the league that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher this year.

The front seven continues to set the tone and has become the backbone of this defense. The group will look to keep that streak alive next week as the Jaguars head on the road to face the Jets.