Will the Colts be Dethroned?

     Currently the Indianapolis Colts are 12-0 and are vying to be the first team to run the table since the 1972 Dolphins. On Sunday the Colts are set to square off a familiar foe in the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars.     On Sunday September 18 the Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to Indy to square up against the Colts. Although at the time this game seemed rather small other than divisional record implications it has proven to be much larger now. This was the lone game that truly gave the Colts a scare. The Colts offensive was silent all day, trailing 3-0 going into the fourth quarter at which time the Colts went with the running game to pound the ball in.
     The Jaguar defense seemed to have Peyton’s number as he was off target most of the game overthrowing his recievers on what seemed to be nearly every other route. Manning finished with a 44.0 passer rating, his worst since 2001. But more impressively than the Jaguars defense was that of the Colts. Ever since the Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison combination became such dynamic the Colts have been known as a predominantly offensive team, when there offense struggled they would lose. Although the defense was unable to stop the Jaguars running game led by Fred Taylor they came up with big stops when they needed to, sacking Byron Leftwich six times for a loss of 23 yards. Montae Reagor led this defensive assault pressuring Leftwich most of the time he dropped back, and getting to him three times.
     The most important defensive play came on the last play of this game. After Byron Leftwich rallied his team to the Colts 22 he threw a desperation pass to Jimmy Smith in the back of the endzone that was broken up by Bob Sanders.
     The Colts were very pleased with their game as the Jaguars were the lone team to beat them at home during the 2004 season. Coach Dungy was especially pleased with this effort, claiming it was the way they needed to play to win a championship. “We need to be able to win games like this, good teams, if you don’t win the championship, you have to win games that go any kind of way.”
     Now back to December 11th, at the end of the game the outcome will be very different. The Jacksonville Jaguars will dethrone the Indianapolis Colts of there dreams of an undefeated season even without their starting quarterback. In this scenario the Jaguars are fully aware that they have nothing to lose, yet everything to prove. Inside of that Jacksonville lockeroom there are a bunch of proud men who want to be remembered as the team that spoiled the Colts perfect season.
     The Jaguars match-up favorably against the Colts, and seemed to have Peyton Mannings number his last time out. This is the same team that has split with the Colts for the past three years, and they are not going to be satisfied with a “good” game or a “tough” loss. This game also has playoff implications for the 9-3 Jaguars who are looking to secure a wildcard birth, with a win here they would all but be assured a wild card spot and prove themselves worthy to contend for the Vince Lombardy Trophy.
     Sunday will be yet another day in which that group of the ’72 Dolphins are assured there spot in history and they pop open a bottle of champagne to celebrate. The Jaguars will be remembered as the team to spoil the Colts perfect season.