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Week 3 preview: Colts at Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla. – TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Tom McCarthy, Adam Archuleta
*Keys to the game: The Colts believe they have been their own worst enemy during their 0-2 start, including a minus-3 turnover ratio and breakdowns on both sides of the ball that can be tightened up. RB Trent Richardson is still averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, but is coming off his best game as a Colt. Any semblance of balance could be lethal for the Jaguars, who have allowed 533 passing yards through two games despite registering eight sacks. The return of safety Jonathan Cyprien could help solve some of the issues in the back end.
The real concern for Jacksonville begins with its offensive line, which crumpled at Washington last week with 10 sacks allowed and four additional hits on QB Chad Henne. Combined with a ground game averaging a meager 2.5 yards per carry, the immobile Henne is a sitting duck for opposing pass rushes. Something has to give, because the Colts have just one sack on the season.
*Matchup to watch – Colts linebackers vs. Jaguars TE Mickey Shuler Jr.: The son of former Jets and Eagles tight end Mickey Shuler Sr., the younger Shuler has gone from being claimed off waivers before the start of the season to starter by Week 3 due to injuries. With the team’s leading receiver Marcedes Lewis out, Shuler is key to providing Henne with an option down the seam to beat pressure.
*Player spotlight – Jaguars RT Austin Pasztor: Pasztor’s return from a broken hand ushered the exit of fill-in Cameron Bradfield from the roster altogether. Pasztor is a clear upgrade in blacking talent, although he will be playing with his hand heavily wrapped.
*Fast facts: QB Andrew Luck threw for 539 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Colts to a season sweep last season by a combined score of 67-13. … The Jaguars have been outscored 75-10 since leading Philadelphia 17-0 at halftime in Week 1.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Rarely are 0-2 teams in such starkly different situation. The Colts have lost to two playoff teams and are still the favorites to come out of the AFC South. The Jags have been pummeled over their past three halves, and coach Gus Bradley’s defense has been one of the main culprits.
*Our pick: Colts 30-20
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