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Jaguars look for balanced offense vs. Colts. Our bold predictions
Jacksonville Jaguars HC Liam Coen talks Pro Bowl snub, motivation
The Jacksonville Jaguars are celebrating Christmas knowing they’re headed to the playoffs. Liam Coen was asked about the team’s Pro Bowl snubs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) on the road in Week 17, which could end with clarity on who will win the AFC South.
If the Houston Texans fall to the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday afternoon, the Jaguars could clinch the AFC South by defeating Indianapolis on Sunday. If Houston doesn’t lose, the Jaguars will need to beat the Colts and the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 to ensure they win the division. It’s that simple.
The Jaguars at Colts game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday.
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It will be broadcast on FOX.
Jacksonville is very familiar with the Colts, but even moreso with this year’s Colts in particular. They played them just a few weeks ago in Week 14, the game that kicked off Indianapolis’ bold move in signing formerly retired quarterback Phillip Rivers, who had last played in the 2020 season before being signed by Indy.
Colts starting QB Daniel Jones sustained a ruptured Achilles injury against Jacksonville, leading to the Rivers signing. Rivers has started the Colts’ last two games and is likely to do so again Sunday.
In the team’s last meeting, the Jaguars defeated the Colts at home 36-19, a game that helped the Jaguars get a firm grip on the AFC South lead through the final stretch of the season.
Coen described the upcoming meeting as being like chess, a continuation of their last meeting with added wrinkles.
“How much can we know our opponent and what they did against us in the first game? What worked, what didn’t? And, OK, what’s the next chess move, right?” Coen said about playing a team twice in the matter of a few weeks.
“Starting to anticipate either your next chess move or theirs and that’s how much you have to study, understand your own plan first and foremost, and then, OK, what are the next steps that could occur? As players and coaches.”
In the first meeting between the clubs, Jacksonville ran for just 103 yards, an area the team hasn’t been consistent in for about a month. Instead, the Jaguars have relied heavily on quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s arm — and often now legs — to get the job done.
To Jacksonville’s credit, it’s worked. Lawrence has posted more than 1,000 passing yards and 14 total touchdowns with zero turnovers during the team’s last month of the season.
They’ve defeated clubs by an average of 18.8 points per game. The dominance Jacksonville has shown can be contextualized and emphasized like this: Last season, Jacksonville averaged just 18.8 points per game.
Still, Coen wants to improve the team’s ground game, a strength the Jaguars held for the first part of the season.
He explained early in the week that the team’s struggles are a combination of factors, including how much the team worked to improve a lagging passing attack for several weeks, especially during and since the Week 8 BYE.
Teams have given the Jaguars single-high safety looks in response to their success on the ground early in the season.
“Which now you’re saying as a coach, well they got one more than we really want to have to block. Let’s try to throw it,” Coen explained as Jacksonville has become one of the best passing teams in the league over the last month.
“As we start to maybe do that better and see maybe a little bit more honest coverages and structures, then we’ve got to make sure we pick and choose the right spots to be able to get those off.”
Coen explained that the team does need to do a better job of sustaining blocks at the first and second levels in addition to finishing. It takes all 11 players to make the engine run, especially on the ground.
And even if they are about to face an extra player in the box, sometimes, Coen said, you have to say, “who cares?”
Simply put, the Jaguars want to get back to being a balanced team, because that’s what it’ll take to accomplish their lofty goal for the year.
“For us to really go where we need to go, that needs to balance out,” he said.
Travis Etienne will rush for 100 or more yards vs. Colts
Jaguars running back Travis Etienne has not had a 100-plus-yard rushing performance since Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, when he totaled 124 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
If the Jaguars want to get back to being more balanced, it’ll start with their primary running back. He has the opportunity to help Jacksonville become more well-rounded.
When asked about the team’s rushing struggles of late, Etienne shouldered the blame.
“I just gotta be more disciplined. Just take what the defense gives me and take advantage of opportunities. Whenever I do have a chance to hit a bit, we just hit it. But, I feel like the O-line is doing great, I just got to be more disciplined,” Etienne said in the locker room.
Jarrian Jones will make an impact play vs. Colts’ Josh Downs
With cornerback Jarrian Jones slated for a bigger role Sunday with Jourdan Lewis on injured reserve, the opportunity for the second-year corner to impact the game will grow exponentially.
Jones is likely to match up against receiver Josh Downs, who plays in the slot for the Colts. He’s recorded two interceptions and six pass breakups. He’s also recovered one fumble this year.
Jones is primed to make a big play against Rivers and Downs on Sunday.
Josh Hines-Allen continues Colts dominance, will sack Phillip Rivers
Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen has had a sack in five-straight games against the Colts. In 11 games played against the division rival, he’s tallied 11.5 sacks.
His dominance against Indy is well-documented, and that’s likely to continue this Sunday.
Hines-Allen has faced off against Rivers just twice in his career (2019 vs. the Chargers and 2020 vs. the Colts). He’s recorded two quarterback hits against Rivers, but hasn’t sacked him yet.
With a likely big lead early, look for Hines-Allen to pin his ears back against the 44-year-old grandfather.
Score prediction
Jaguars 30, Colts 14.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius.
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The Indianapolis Colts began Phase 1 of their offseason schedule with voluntary work on April 21st, right in the thick of draft week. This period focuses on meetings, strength training, and rehabilitation before the team ramps up its workload for the rest of the summer.
Veterans quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II have been away from the team as they remain on the trade block.
While work thus far has not been open to the media, there will be plenty of opportunity moving forward to get a closer look at the younger, faster Colts.
Here’s a look at the key dates Colts faithful will want to circle on their calendars, along with the media’s scheduled access dates (subject to change at the team’s discretion).
Rookie Minicamp: May 8-9
The 2026 Colts’ draftees get their on-field debut in their team-issued apparel as they take the field alongside undrafted free agents and prospects invited to participate for a try-out.
Most notably, it’ll be interesting to see where the Colts’ first two draft selections — defenders CJ Allen and A.J. Haulcy — are being used in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme.
This two-day glorified oreientation of sorts will feature far less team-based activities than it will individual drills and general acclimation to the pros, but it’s still a worthy introduction nonetheless.
This padless, non-contact minicamp is meant to familiarize the amatuers more than it’s meant to baptize them by fire, and head coach Shane Steichen will be sure to deliver that message.
OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4
This is the third and final phase of the offseason program, the first portion of the offseason where the offense and defense can come together for some 11-on-11 work.
With quarterback Daniel Jones, wide receiver Alec Pierce, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner all set to be sidelined until at least training camp as they rehab their respective injuries, their presence will be greatly missed as far as teambuilding goes. On the flip side, at least those Colts below them on the depth chart will get some valuable run in their time away.
The on-field work will still be a non-contact simulation, though this is the first time when the veterans and the rookies will come together for practice. These workouts are still voluntary for the vets; it won’t truly be a first full look at the projected 2026 roster together, but that comes not too long after OTAs conclude.
Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11
This will be the biggest offseason event yet, as it will be the closest we get to a real Colts practice. Unlike OTAs, which are voluntary, this minicamp requires that all members of the team be in attendance.
These sessions are more or less like the beginning of the training camp cycle, a period that features a similar practice regimen while still being padless and non-contact.
This will give us a closer look at how rookies are adjusting to the next level after being a month in, as well as provide a sneak peek as to which on-field chemistries are brewing.
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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The month of May begins with “the greatest spectacle in running.”
Runners from all over gear up for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, with the first race starting at 7:35 a.m. Saturday.
At the Indiana Convention Center on Friday, participants were prepping. They picked out shoes and running gear, and checked out the course map. Organizers estimated over 20,000 runners for the big race day. There’s the 5K run and, of course, the half-marathon that runs through Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This year marks the 50th annual Mini-Marathon. Organizer Linday Labas of the 500 Festival said, “We have five Indy alumni who have done this race all 50 years, so they just keep coming back. They like the other part of the month of May, celebrating and tackling it. I know it looks different now than it was 50 years ago, but they keep coming back, because they love the celebration around Indy Mini.”
Cecilio Martinez has marathon tattoos for all the times he’s run. He ran the Chicago, Berlin, Honolulu and New York City marathons. But, he only has one half-marathon inked on his calf, and that’s Indy’s Mini-Marathon with the 50th anniversary medal. He said this isn’t the first time he’s run the Indy Mini. “I like the course. I like the people. I love Indy Mini.”
Runner Karina McDougle said, “Unlike 2025, the race is going to be chilly with temperatures as low as 39 degrees. “Honestly, because I’ve been running in so much cold weather, I’m pretty used to that, and I would prefer that. I do overheat a lot. It’s great for me, I’m looking for a cool day.”
There are also lots of first-timers running the half-marathon, including Wabash Middle-High School wrestler James Day. “We’re just excited about the experience. They actually talked me into it. I didn’t want to do it originally. I ran one day this week. We’ll see how this goes. I just came back from a wrestling season, though, so I should be in a decent shape.”
At the end of the 13.1 miles, runners will receive a golden medal to mark their accomplishment.
The Indianapolis Colts are in a make-or-break season under longtime general manager Chris Ballard.
After exiting a season that featured yet another mid-season collapse, this regime is holding onto its last remaining breath of hope as it attempts to right the ship entirely. Colts Owner/CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in her post-season press conference that the sense of urgency ‘has never been higher’ for Ballard and Shane Steichen, who is entering his fourth season as the Colts’ head coach.
As a result, this offseason has featured numerous high-floor, low-ceiling decisions for Indianapolis. In an attempt to replicate last year’s early-season success, Ballard’s Colts are once again ‘running it back,’ something that has yet to produce meaningful results in past years.
Ballard’s recent draft has been deemed by some a near-perfect outing considering their situation — not having a first-round pick to bolster their roster — but more than anything, it’s a showing that addressed the team’s weakest position rooms.
From immediate contributors to sleepers and depth pieces, Colts on SI breaks down each draftee’s projected 2026 role.
Immediate Starters
Georgia LB CJ Allen
After trading longtime starter and leader of the defense, linebacker Zaire Franklin, to the Green Bay Packers, Georgia’s CJ Allen will slide in seamlessly as his replacement for the future.
“We’ve liked CJ (Allen) through the whole process,” general manager Chris Ballard began fawning over his newest linebacker in his post-draft press conference. “He stands for all the right stuff. He’s an athletic, fast MIKE. He’ll be a green-dot guy for us from the get-go. I mean, he’s a face of the program type of guy. He’s a really special dude now.”
Still just 21-years old, Allen did not compete at the NFL Scouting Combine as he was rehabbing a knee injury suffered late in his final season at Georgia, but Ballard and Co. are confident in his progress and foresee no setbacks ahead of the season after he worked out a few weeks prior to the NFL Draft.
LSU S A.J. Haulcy
Although the Colts replaced Nick Cross with an aggregate of veteran safeties in free agency to compete for the opening at strong safety, rookie A.J. Haulcy has the inside track at winning the job this summer.
The SEC safety moved up in competition each step of the way (New Mexico, Houston, LSU), starting in 44 of 48 possible games. Haulcy is a ballhawk who logged eight interceptions over the past two seasons, but his versatility to play both in the box and back deep is what’s most intriguing about his game.
Sleepers
Kentucky G Jalen Farmer
The Colts may have confidence in their projected starting five (Raimann, Nelson, Bortolini, Goncalves, Travis), but insurance beyond them was nonexistent entering the NFL Draft.
Kentucky’s Jalen Farmer is set to provide depth across the entire offensive line, while likely being prioritized across the interior as a former guard. He makes the third consecutive installment of fourth-round offensive linemen drafted by Chris Ballard, who are subsequently thrust into the Tony Sparano Jr. school of hard knocks — aka, a recently-established draft-and-stash process that has produced two full-time starters who are still on their rookie contract.
Farmer is projected to immediately become the team’s swing offensive lineman, though don’t count him out from winning the right guard spot from Matt Goncalves.
Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher
Boettcher is set to be a special teams demon as a rookie, but his plus coverage ability bodes well in his favor as he joins a position room that lacks a specialist as such — they do have Jaylon Carlies set to return, who has flashed in coverage, though his early injury history makes it difficult to bet on him moving forward.
The Oregon linebacker should compete for the opening at WILL linebacker alongside veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither. Even if he ultimately loses the job, Boettcher presents a high-floor for a depth piece, and more than likely carves out a role as a sub-package coverage defender.
Kentucky RB Seth McGowan
McGowan had a troubled past early in his college career, causing him to climb back to earn consideration as an NFL prospect. He has since earned the opportunity to not only join an NFL roster but also to truly compete for touches as the Colts have an opening at backup running back under star feature back Jonathan Taylor.
Oklahoma WR Deion Burks
The Colts entered the 2026 NFL Draft with an opening at wide receiver alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, despite adding Nick Westbrook-Ikhine earlier this offseason.
Deion Burks immediately strengthens the depth chart at wide receiver, serving as a potential steal after being selected with one of the last picks in the draft (254th overall). His small build (5’9″, 180 lbs) suggests that he’ll sit directly under Josh Downs for the foreseeable future, but his experience at outside receiver points to a potential rotational role as early as his rookie season.
Long-Term Bets
EDGE George Gumbs Jr.
Indianapolis has been lacking juice at defensive end for far too long, and though Gumbs Jr. doesn’t scream day-one contributor as a former wide receiver turned edge defender, his profile as a long-term project takes no convincing.
It was a bit of a headscratcher to see the Colts finally address edge during the fifth round, though their lack of depth outside of an opening up top needed addressing, and Gumbs Jr. provides just that.
EDGE Caden Curry
Similar to Gumbs Jr., Caden Curry doesn’t project as an immediate force, though he does present a bigger production profile (16.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a senior) that you can see him contributing in a rotational role as a rookie.
Curry may have historically small arms, a threshold that NFL decision-makers often stray away from, but his relentless motor is worth betting on despite his physical limitations.
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