While many divisional games in the NFL wind up being close matchups, things can occasionally get out of hand, and that's exactly what happened when the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Indianapolis Colts, with the reigning AFC South Champions running out to a fast start.
Led by an impressive performance by quarterback Andrew Luck, the Colts scored on their first six possessions to take a 30-0 lead into the locker room at half time. While the Jaguars would outscore them 17-14 in the second half, the Colts had already done the hard work and didn’t need to overextend themselves.
The heavy deficit at the half saw the Jaguars go with rookie quarterback Blake Bortles in the second half and, while he had his struggles, they'll be encouraged by some of what they saw. With that in mind, let's take a look at the Jaguars rookie quarterback and other players who stood out on Sunday.
Indianapolis Colts – Performances of Note
Andrew Luck, QB: +5.0
Breakdown: There weren't many “wow” throws from the Colts signal caller on Sunday, but then there didn't need to be. He took advantage and slowly moved the Colts downfield time after time, and just didn't make many mistakes.
Signature Stat: All seven of Luck's throws of 20 yards or more went outside the right numbers, with him completing six for 158 yards.
Ahmad Bradshaw, HB: +2.7
Breakdown: Racking up 83 total yards and adding a touchdown, Bradshaw stated his case to be the feature back in Indianapolis, forcing four missed tackles on 11 total touches on offense.
Signature Stat: His +2.7 grade was his highest since Week 17 of the 2012 season.
Donte Moncrief, WR: +1.2
Breakdown: Though they have a wealth of options at wide receiver, rookie third round draft pick Moncrief really stood out. Seeing 23 snaps in his third game, after seeing just seven in the first two combined, he put up 55 yards from four receptions.
Signature Play: Q4, 10.43 remaining. Leaping up into the air at the two yard line, he was able to beat cornerback Demetrius McCray to the ball and stay in bounds for a 22-yard reception.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Performances of Note
Luke Bowanko, C: +1.2
Breakdown: Taking over as the starting center in Week 3 of his rookie year, Bowanko didn't look out of place. He didn't make a lot of mistakes and showed some good work in the running game.
Signature Play: Q3, 8.20 remaining. Bowanko sealed nose tackle Josh Chapman to the right and moved him down the line.
Blake Bortles, QB: -3.8
Breakdown: Coming in to start the second half, things didn't go according to plan for the top drafted quarterback from May's NFL Draft. A fumble that would have resulted in a safety were it not for a penalty, along with two interceptions, one which was returned for a score, marred his debut. He did finish strong however, with both of his final two drives ending with touchdown passes.
Signature Stat: Completed just three of eight passes for 54 yards, with an interception, when he was blitzed.
Geno Hayes, LB: +1.9
Breakdown: It wasn't a perfect game for Hayes, and he had some struggles in coverage, but he looked good against the run. It was his best performance of the year so far, so the Jaguars will be hoping for more of the same going forward.
Signature Stat: With all six of his tackles resulting in a defensive stop from his 20 snaps against the run, Hayes had a Run Stop Percentage of 30.0%
PFF Game Ball
It was a good team performance by the Colts but the play of Andrew Luck, particularly early, was too much to ignore so he takes the game ball here.
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