Jaguars trying to maintain momentum with hopes for another upset victory Sunday vs. Colts

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Jaguars are trying to achieve something they have not done in two years.

Since Weeks 7-8 during the 2019 season when the Jaguars beat the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets, they have not had a winning streak.

That's a 32-game span if you're counting.

Jacksonville (2-6) will try to change that Sunday when they play the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The challenge is enormous, though.

The Jaguars have lost seven of their past eight games played in Indianapolis since 2013. Their lone victory during the stretch was in 2017 when they won 27-0. In their previous two games played in Indianapolis, the Jaguars were outscored 61-27. Indianapolis won 28-14 in last season's season finale behind running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for a career-high 253 yards.

However, the Jaguars' only victory was against the Colts 27-20 in last season's opener in Jacksonville. The Jaguars then lost 15 consecutive games to finish 1-15 and land the 2021 No. 1 overall pick they used to select quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.

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The Jaguars have lost 15 of the 20 games played in Indianapolis. Yet, they are coming in surging from the momentum of last Sunday's 9-6 stunning upset of the Buffalo Bills. The Jaguars held the Bills without scoring a touchdown even though they came in as the league's highest-scoring team (33 points).

''That's why we are here, trying to keep this momentum going that we keep talking about,'' cornerback Shaquill Griffin said. ''It's not about just getting one good game and then follow up a game and then get another good game. We got to continue to keep that train going to start sticking up wins, and we got to believe in that. After beating Buffalo, it's nothing that's stopping us.''

The Jaguars will need a big performance again from their defense and better execution from their offense. The Jaguars did not score a touchdown, went 2-of-13 on third-down conversions and Lawrence tied his season low with 118 yards passing against Buffalo. But outside linebacker Josh Allen saved the day with his sensational performance with a career-high eight tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception that earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Sustaining momentum is what Coach Urban Meyer has been pushing but has yet to see it. Two weeks ago, the Jaguars had the same opportunity to start a winning streak. In Week 6, they beat the Miami Dolphins 23-20 in London before going on their bye week. In Week 8, instead of extending their momentum, they went to Seattle and got embarrassed from a 31-7 loss.

“I think Lou Holtz shared this with me when I was a young coach,'' Meyer said. ''Momentum with a young team is worth 14 points a game.’ I am still learning the pro level, but it is worth seven points with a veteran team.''

Asked how significant it would be his team to finally string back-to-back wins, Meyer did not hold back when he said it would be 'incredible.'

''We do not talk much about that; I think it is more just the respect we have for our opponent,'' Meyer said. ''The best version of us is pretty good but the bad version of us is really bad. I have always heard this about the NFL, but now that I live in it, they are all professional athletes. Anybody, any day, any week.''

Must limit Taylor, Pittman

The Jaguars' defense has two major objectives against the Colts - they need to keep running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., from taking over the game. Taylor has rushed for more than 107 yards in three of the last four games, including 172 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 45-30 victory against the New York Jets. Pittman is quarterback Carson Wentz's favorite target. Pittman's 658 yards receiving yards rank ninth in the NFL, and he's made a team-high 50 catches. Griffin will likely draw Pittman in coverage, but the Jaguars won't be able to sit back in zone coverage and repeatedly blitz because of the Colts' potent running game. They will have to drop their safeties occasionally to help with the run support. The Jaguars have allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing in six of the past eight games.

The offense must score touchdowns, not settle for FG

The Jaguars have combined to score just 13 points in the past two games against Seattle and Buffalo. Against the Colts, the offense can't rely solely on the defense bailing them out like last week. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence's first order of business is improving his completion percentage with his receivers on third down. And the receivers and tight ends must do a better job holding onto the ball. The Jaguars have the lowest third-down conversion rate in the NFL at 30%.

Defensive front must repeat physical play from last week

In past games at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts offensive line has dominated the Jaguars defensive front. That cannot happen again Sunday. The Jaguars defense front has to win the physical battle, especially on the interior to bring forth a push similar to disrupt Wentz in the pocket as they did against Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Colts' Quenton Nelson is one of the top offensive guards in the league, especially as a run blocker. The Jaguars need another big game from Allen, Dawuane Smoot, Taven Bryan, and Adam Gotsis.

Robinson listed as questionable

Starting running back James Robinson (heel) was listed as questionable to play on the Jaguars' final injury report. During the open portion of practice for media Friday, Robinson was held out of position drills. He missed last week's game against Buffalo and said he needs to be at 100 percent healthy to play. Veteran Carlos Hyde will start Sunday if Robinson does not play.

Sunday's Game

Jaguars vs. Colts

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

TV: CBS

Radio: 1010XL, 92.5 FM

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars trying to maintain momentum with hopes for another upset victory Sunday vs. Colts