JACKSONVILLE (+7) at INDIANAPOLIS -- The Jaguars are a physical bunch - that's the kind of thing that will always create some problems for the finesse-oriented Colts. And the Jags' defense was utterly dominant against Pittsburgh, allowing no runs over eight yards and no drives longer than 26 yards. Peyton Manning (400 yards and three TD's against Houston) is obviously in pretty good form, and he's not the same animal as an ailing Ben Roethlisberger or Drew Bledsoe for that matter. But the Jacksonville stop unit bears very little resemblance to that of the Texans, and backfield mates Joe Addai and Dominic Rhodes have not been mistaken for Edgerrin James. Under Jack Del Rio, the Jaguars have "held" Indy to just 21.7 ppg, with no total over 26. And although QB Byron Leftwich admits this team must convert scoring opportunities, the tall wide receivers are causing at least some problems for opposing secondaries. Wins over Dallas and Pittsburgh have supplied a lot of confidence. The defensive front with marcus Stroud and John Henderson can compete with anyone. And Jacksonville has the only running back on the field who can change the game (Fred Taylor). Remember, Jags have scored straight-up wins in 17 of their last 22 regular season games.
JAY'S PLAY: JACKSONVILLE ** |
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