Everything was supposed to be different this season. Andrew Luck had another year under his belt, and the Colts defense would be anchored by Robert Mathis. But the Indianapolis Colts travel to Jacksonville today with an 0-2 record that matches the Jaguars and playoff hopes that seem to be on the ropes.
Mathis, last season’s league leader in sacks, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Things didn’t get any better when defensive lineman Arthur Jones went down with an ankle injury. Whereas the Colts defense was thought to be a strength, it enters today’s Week 3 game ranked 29th overall. They’ll have a little hope today, as the Jaguars allowed 10 sacks in last Sunday’s 41-10 loss to the Redskins.
Luck has tried to make up for the Colts’ defensive shortcomings, but he’s undermined his own performances. Last week against the Eagles Luck passed for three touchdowns, but he finished 20-of-34 for 172 yards and a costly interception that Philly turned into seven points. If you watch today’s Colts game live and see Luck lose again, you may also be watching the team’s playoff hopes ride off into the sunset. Only 2.5 percent of all 0-3 teams since 1970 have gone on to make a playoff appearance.
The QB situation in Jacksonville is much more in flux, especially with their playoff hopes all but gone. Chad Henne will make his season debut at home today, but fans will surely call for rookie QB Blake Bortles to get reps rather than watch the Jaguars Colts game live from the sideline. Henne so far has guided the Jaguars to the league’s worst marks in points (31st of 32 teams), yards (32nd), passing yards (28th) and rushing (32nd).
Those stats aren’t likely to improve without tight end Marcedes Lewis and wide receiver Marqise Lee today. Lee has been ruled out for today’s Colts Jaguars game after injuring his knee in practice Wednesday. Could this be Henne’s last start of the season? Could the Colts get a win and keep their playoff hopes alive?
You can watch the Indianapolis Colts take on the Jacksonville Jaguars live on TV on CBS. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00pm EST / 10:00am PST. You can also watch Colts vs Jaguars online free live streaming Week 3 using the CBS Sports website or DirecTV’s website. The latter requires you to have an NFL Sunday Ticket MAX package, which requires a subscription. All subscribers can watch the game online free via the DirecTV live stream on a smartphone, tablet or PC.