Week 17 review
The Jaguars eeked out a 23-17 win over the Colts in week 17, setting themselves up for a chance at the AFC South crown. This was the Jaguars 7th win in a row, and it was one of their toughest, falling behind 10-0 early before taking over the game.
A big kickoff return would give the Colts excellent field position to begin the game before kicking a field goal. The Jaguars would put together a lengthy opening drive, going 65 yards in 8 plays, but it resulted in a Travis Etienne fumble on the increasingly popular hook-and-ladder play. The Colts would respond with their best drive of the day, going 83 yards in 15 plays for a touchdown.
After quickly falling behind 10-0, the Jaguars punched back with a long drive of their own, going 69 yards in 12 plays to cut the lead down to 3 at 10-7. The defense would force two quick punts, giving the Jaguars a chance to take the lead, but they squandered it, punting in just four plays, then following it up with a red zone interception. Three red zone trips resulted in just 7 points for the Jaguars, keeping the score 10-7 at halftime.
The Jaguars offense would receive the ball to begin the second half with another chance to take the lead but failed to get a first down. After forcing another punt, the offense would finally wake up, driving 81 yards for a touchdown to take a 14-10 lead. A 55-yard kickoff return would set up the Colts offense at the Jaguars 39-yard line, and they would capitalize, scoring in just 1:39 to take a 17-14 lead.
A promising 10-play drive would result in a field goal, tying the game at 17-17. A Colts three-and-out would give the Jaguars an opportunity to retake the lead, but they once again failed to score deep in Colts territory, opting for a quarterback sneak at the Colts 24 on fourth down. The defense responded by doing what they have done all season, which is creating a turnover in a crucial moment. The Jaguars began the drive at the Colts 21-yard line but failed to capitalize, losing 3 yards and settling for a field goal, giving them a 20-17 lead.
A Colts turnover on downs would give the Jaguars the ball at the Colts 48-yard line with a chance to end the game. With 24 seconds remaining, Cam Little would make a 53-yard field goal, giving the Jaguars a 23-17 lead. Riley Leonard would attempt a hail mary on the final play, but it would be intercepted, giving the Jaguars their seventh straight win and winning 12 games for the first time since 2005.