The 0-3 Jacksonville Jaguars are hands down the most disappointing team, in the most disappointing division, throughout these first 3 weeks. No team in the AFC South is currently in the black in Net Points (Points Scored minus Points Allowed), and while the Houston Texans lead the way at 2-1 with -11 Net Points, the Jaguars have a -30 margin due to the 84 (tied for 7th most) they have given up to their opponents. All that scoring, yet the Jags D only allows 311 yards a game.
What gives?
To answer this, we must look at the NFL’s most underrated team stat there is...penalty yards. The Jags have committed the 2nd most penalties (30) for the 4th most yards (247) in the league. Field position is the name of the game and penalty yards are the number one contributor to winning or losing that battle. Considering their opponents have only accumulated 105 yards in penalties thus far, it’s no wonder the Jags’ scoring differential is so lopsided.
There are other contributing factors to the Jags’ jarring start. Their offense ranks in the bottom 5 in both rushing yards (55.0 per game) and 3rd down conversion percentage (29%). Blake Bortles also has a 75.0 QB rating, which is the 5th lowest among all NFL teams. Suffice it to say this offense is struggling and until they start doing a better job of taking care of the football and converting 1st downs, they will continue losing to average teams. It’s a good thing then that they’re facing the Indianapolis Colts, a below average team playing in London for the very first time. Sunday morning’s divisional rivalry marks the 4th trip across the pond for the Jaguars in as many seasons. This has to give them an edge in terms of preparation and expectations.
The 1-2 Colts are shaping up to be one of the league’s worst defensive units. They have given up 95 points in the first 3 weeks (3rd most) and rank in the bottom 10 in the following defensive categories: yards allowed, yards per play, first downs per game, 3rd down conversion % and opposing QB rating. That is a lot for Andrew Luck to overcome every week. Due to their tendency to start off cold offensively and their inability to stop teams, the Colts look like they are built for shootouts/late 4th quarter comebacks. We shouldn’t expect them to jump out in front and sit on leads this year. So at the very least, the Jags should be able to keep it close with a good chance of getting their first win in their new home away from home.
[h=3]How to Watch Colts vs Jaguars[/h]
What gives?
To answer this, we must look at the NFL’s most underrated team stat there is...penalty yards. The Jags have committed the 2nd most penalties (30) for the 4th most yards (247) in the league. Field position is the name of the game and penalty yards are the number one contributor to winning or losing that battle. Considering their opponents have only accumulated 105 yards in penalties thus far, it’s no wonder the Jags’ scoring differential is so lopsided.
There are other contributing factors to the Jags’ jarring start. Their offense ranks in the bottom 5 in both rushing yards (55.0 per game) and 3rd down conversion percentage (29%). Blake Bortles also has a 75.0 QB rating, which is the 5th lowest among all NFL teams. Suffice it to say this offense is struggling and until they start doing a better job of taking care of the football and converting 1st downs, they will continue losing to average teams. It’s a good thing then that they’re facing the Indianapolis Colts, a below average team playing in London for the very first time. Sunday morning’s divisional rivalry marks the 4th trip across the pond for the Jaguars in as many seasons. This has to give them an edge in terms of preparation and expectations.
The 1-2 Colts are shaping up to be one of the league’s worst defensive units. They have given up 95 points in the first 3 weeks (3rd most) and rank in the bottom 10 in the following defensive categories: yards allowed, yards per play, first downs per game, 3rd down conversion % and opposing QB rating. That is a lot for Andrew Luck to overcome every week. Due to their tendency to start off cold offensively and their inability to stop teams, the Colts look like they are built for shootouts/late 4th quarter comebacks. We shouldn’t expect them to jump out in front and sit on leads this year. So at the very least, the Jags should be able to keep it close with a good chance of getting their first win in their new home away from home.
[h=3]How to Watch Colts vs Jaguars[/h]
- What: Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- When: Sunday, Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile App
- Sunday Ticket: DirecTV
- Online: NFL Game Pass (available to watch online after midnight)