The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) washed away another week of doubts Sunday, beating the Indianapolis Colts 36–19 in a steady rain to take over first place in the AFC South and extend their midseason surge to four straight wins. A month removed from a collapse in Houston that still lingers in the locker room, Jacksonville leaned into that lingering frustration and delivered one of its most complete performances of the year.
Trevor Lawrence led the way with 244 yards and two touchdown passes, hitting Jakobi Meyers and Tim Patrick for scores while avoiding turnovers. Travis Etienne added two rushing touchdowns, powering a ground game that helped Jacksonville control the pace and never let Indianapolis recover after losing quarterback Daniel Jones to a devastating injury.
Jones, who was already playing through a broken left fibula, went down early in the second quarter clutching his right Achilles. The Colts (8-5) later announced that Jones will require season-ending surgery, dealing a major blow to their playoff hopes and leaving rookie Riley Leonard to finish the game with only practice-squad option Brett Rypien behind him. The game was 14–7 when Jones exited, and Indianapolis never truly threatened afterward.
Lawrence hit three plays of 30-plus yards, including key connections to rookie Brian Thomas Jr., who posted his best outing in weeks with 87 yards on three catches. Etienne added 74 rushing yards on 20 carries, including scores from 3 and 28 yards. On defense, Josh Hines-Allen continued his hot streak with a sack for the fourth straight game, this one resulting in a safety that stretched the Jaguars’ lead.
Jonathan Taylor battled to 74 yards and a touchdown against the league’s toughest run defense, but Leonard managed only 145 passing yards with an interception before adding a late rushing score that barely dented the margin. The Colts dropped their third straight and fourth in five games, slipping out of the division race and facing a difficult road with a backup quarterback and a rugged closing schedule.
Soaked from the downpour, Jacksonville celebrated briefly before returning inside, knowing full well they’re unlikely to get much national attention, and perfectly fine with that. After Houston’s collapse still fueling them, the Jaguars seem content embracing an under-the-radar identity as they push toward the postseason.
Injuries
Colts: QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) — season-ending; RT Braden Smith (concussion); CB Chris Lammons (foot); WR Anthony Gould (foot); DE JT Tuimoloau (concussion).
Jaguars: RB Bhayshul Tuten was evaluated for a concussion and cleared but saw limited snaps afterward.
Up Next
Colts: Visit the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.
Jaguars: Host the New York Jets next Sunday.
