The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts meet up in Indianapolis for the beginning of the 2023 NFL season. The Jaguars come in as an ascending team and a favorite to win the division. On the other hand, the Colts are entering a rebuild with the hope that Anthony Richardson will become their next great franchise quarterback. In the meantime, there is a game to be played on Sunday, and the Jaguars and Colts matchup well to create some big matchups in the Jaguars week one matchup.
The Most Important Matchup in Jaguars Week One
For the Jaguars, the most important thing to get right is the matchups along the line of scrimmage. While the Jaguars’ defensive line will need to show up to contain the Colts’ offense, the more important side of the trenches is the Jaguars’ offensive line versus the Colts’ defensive line.
It’s an offensive line that’s been constantly debated throughout the preseason and training camp, and the jury is still out on whether this group will be good or not. The Jaguars don’t get a break either, with a matchup on the road against a Colts defensive line that is well put together and led by Deforest Buckner. Buckner had 9 sacks from the interior last season, and facing a Jaguars interior that hasn’t quite put it together, it will be a big test in week one.
Jaguars OLs Ben Bartch (78) and Walker Little (72) – Kerrigan Zambrana/Jacksonville Jaguars
Buckner isn’t the only one along the defensive line to worry about, either. Kwity Paye, Grover Stweart, and Samsun Ebukan round out a solid front four. Former Jaguars Taven Bryan is also on the Colts, and rookie athletic freak Adetomiwa Adebawore could provide some trouble for the Jaguars’ offensive line.
That group also doesn’t include Tyquan Lewis, Jake Martin, Eric Johnson II, and Dayo Odeyingbo. This pass-rushing and run-stopping group will be a tough first challenge for the Jaguars in Indianapolis, a place where they have lost 9 of their last ten matchups.
Anton Harrison, Ben Bartch, Luke Fortner, Brandon Scherff, and Walker Little will have their hands full with the Colts’ pass rush in the Jaguars week one matchup. So, make sure to keep an eye out for the matchup up front, as that will dictate the flow of the game for the Jaguars offense, which should be in control.
Jaguars Week One Matchup #2: Jaguars WRs vs. Colts DBs
While it may not be the marquee matchup between elite groups, the Jaguars wide receivers should dominate the Colts cornerbacks in week one. With Trevor Lawrence throwing to a star-studded core comprised of the best receivers the Jaguars have ever had, it’s hard to think that the Jaguars won’t find success against the Colts’ defense.
Jaguars WR Christian Kirk (13) – Kam Nedd/Jacksonville Jaguars
Another reason to keep a close eye on this matchup is that if the Jaguars’ receivers can get open early in their routes, the Colts’ pass rush wouldn’t affect the game as much. Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones should feast on this Colts defensive backfield that has already suffered a major blow in the form of Isaiah Rodgers being suspended for gambling.
The Jaguars 53 man roster is loaded with receiver talent, and facing against a Colts defensive backfield that is susceptible to the pass, there’s a lot of opportunity in this Jaguars week one matchup.
Jaguars Week One Matchup #3: Shaquille Leonard vs. the Jaguars Offense
Shaquille Leonard might end up playing against the Jaguars in week one after missing out on both matchups last season. His role on the Colts’ defense has been sorely missed, and with his return to the Colts, he could be in line to cause trouble for the Jaguars offense.
Leonard is a troublesome opponent to account for, but the Jaguars may not have to worry about him as much as they would have a few seasons ago. Regardless, Leonard pits himself as the Jaguars’ week one opponent that provides a tough matchup for the entire Jaguars offense. Expect Shaquille Leonard to wreak havoc in the Jaguars’ week one matchup as he looks to start the 2023 season off strong.
Jaguars Week One Matchup #4: Jaguars Defense vs. Anthony Richardson
One of the few bright spots on a Colts roster that’s dealt with a lot this offseason is the rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. He’s able to throw the ball with incredible zip and also has a knack for escaping the pocket and scrambling for yards or finding an open receiver downfield. He’s not a fun defensive assignment and is the main focus for the Jaguars week one defense.
With Johnathan Taylor out the first four weeks, the Colts won’t be able to rely on the run game to help open things up for Anthony Richardson. With a depleted running back room, the Colts need to have Anthony Richardson show his X-Factor-like abilities from the start if they want to win.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson (5) – Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars task is to contain Richardson, and that falls on the entire defense. The defensive line needs to generate pressure and hinder the ground game as much as possible. The linebackers need to tackle Richardson and not let him break tackles and get extra yards. Cornerbacks and safeties need to lock down the Colts’ receivers, giving Richardson tighter windows to throw into.
The Jaguars need to keep things simple and make Richardson beat you through the air. While it’s a simple premise, it’s the main defensive matchup for the Jaguars week one game with Johnathan Taylor not playing.
Overall, the matchup between the Colts offense and Jaguars defense boils down to Anthony Richardson and whether he can complete passes at an NFL level. If the Jaguars can slow Richardson down, it should be an easy win for the Jaguars.
Jaguars Week One Prediction
In the offseason, there was a lot of hype for the Jaguars mounting. Between Calvin Ridley joining the team and Trevor Lawrence continuing to develop, the hype train has reached its stop in the Jaguars’ week one game versus the Colts, and the Jaguars fans are ready to keep it rolling to the next stop.
After a long offseason full of players exceeding expectations and some falling short, the Jaguars are more than ready for their week one matchup versus the Colts.
Following the pick I set back in June, the Jaguars beat the Colts in Indianapolis, starting the season off on a high note and starting what could be one of the best seasons in Jaguars franchise history.
