The Indianapolis Colts recorded a big win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday and they also made a rookie look silly in the process.
On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts exploded offensively and led the team to a 34-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. This came behind a huge performance from Matt Ryan who completed 42-of-58 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns. Offensively, it was a much different game than the Week 2 matchup that the Colts lost 24-0.
In that game, not only was the offense shutout but Matt Ryan was sacked five times and threw three interceptions. For that reason, the Jaguars’ defense had some confidence entering this game and they let it be known leading up to the second matchup. On Thursday, Travon Walker, Jacksonville’s No. 1 overall pick, talked about the team’s mindset for getting after Matt Ryan.
In a press conference with the media, Walker smirkingly said that Jacksonville’s defensive front was motivated because the Colts have what they call “a sitting duck in the backfield.” The sitting duck is Matt Ryan. With him in the pocket, Walker said the Jaguars like that and concluded his statement with, “we gone have some fun.” Unfortunately for Walker and Jacksonville, they didn’t have any fun.
The #Jaguars sacked Matt Ryan five times Week 2. They picked him off three times.
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) October 13, 2022
Travon Walker says that’s motivation — knowing that there’s “we’ll call it, a sitting duck in the backfield” #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/MzdB6MLGxg
Travon Walker’s words backfired against the Colts
There’s nothing wrong with talking trash, especially when you have reason to. Five sacks on Matt Ryan in the first game between Indy and Jacksonville is definitely a reason to be boastful. However, when you make certain statements, you have to be prepared to back them up or take the heat that comes when you fall short. Walker and the Jaguars didn’t back this talk up.
In Sunday’s game, Matt Ryan was far from a sitting duck. He passed the ball 58 times and wasn’t sacked once. This was the first time this season that the Colts have been able to keep Ryan off the ground. Obviously, Indianapolis wanted to improve its protection because it’s been bad, but the team could’ve gotten a little extra motivation from Walker’s words.
Now, Walker and the Jaguars head back to Jacksonville on a three-game losing streak as they sit behind the Colts in the AFC South. Moving forward, maybe Walker will consider the things he says to the media before playing Indianapolis.
Can the Colts replicate their offensive performance from Week 6 moving forward?
The Indianapolis Colts finally had a good game offensively but now the challenge becomes remaining productive moving forward.