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Colts vs. Jaguars: 3 matchups to watch

By Ryan Stano

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Chester Rogers #80 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after making a first-down catch during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Chester Rogers #80 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after making a first-down catch during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 03: Brian Hoyer #2 of the Indianapolis Colts is hurried by Mark Barron #26 and T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 3, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 03: Brian Hoyer #2 of the Indianapolis Colts is hurried by Mark Barron #26 and T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 3, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The last couple of weeks have been a struggle for the Colts offensive line. They allowed 5 sacks against the Steelers and then allowed another one last week against Miami. This offensive line was touted as the best in football coming into the season. They’ve been far from that.

Through nine games this season, the Colts have allowed 17 sacks so far this season. While that is 8th best in the league, it is still way more than what was expected after how they ended the season in 2018. The pass protection has been inconsistent.

But more than the pass protection is the run blocking. They haven’t been able to open up holes as consistently as they were earlier in the year. Running the ball was a big part of what they wanted to do early, and that has fallen by the wayside. The offensive line’s performance is part of the reason.

The Jags have a solid defensive line. Calais Campbell is a great defensive end even at the age of 33. He will make life tough for the Colts’ tackles, especially Braden Smith who has struggled a bit this year. The Colts need to have a plan to block him on every single play.

Winning the battle of the trenches is extremely important for the Colts. But so is this next matchup, which will be much harder for them to win.

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