The Indianapolis Colts are going through a panic sale right now, but the season is far from over. While their postseason aspirations may have gone down the drain after this string of moves, they can always play spoiler.
The Colts haven't usually done great against the Jacksonville Jaguars, much less on the road. To add insult to injury, Liam Coen's team has had more time to recover after spending some time overseas, so it's definitely not the best setting for Shane Steichen and company.
That said, anything can happen on any given Sunday, especially in divisional matchups. The Colts still have a shot on Sunday, but they will have to answer these four questions if they want to leave Florida with the W.
4 questions Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts must answer in Week 8
How long a leash for Daniel Jones?
Let's not sugarcoat it: Daniel Jones has been terrible this season. He hasn't done anything to justify the two-year contract he got in the offseason, and the Colts should be thinking about an exit plan and a replacement right now.
So, what if he struggles again early on? Should they pull him? The season is most likely over already, so why not give everyone else a shot to show what they've got? Steichen has his back, but do the owners feel the same way?
How to get the running game going?
The Jaguars allow just 72.2 rushing yards per game, the lowest mark in the league. They haven't faced strong running games yet, but they're pretty good at shutting down the run. Now, the Colts will be without Quenton Nelson.
Indy's running game has been pedestrian at best this season, even with Jonathan Taylor. Unlocking the ground attack will also be the best way to keep Daniel Jones from putting the ball in harm's way that often, though.
How to deal with Parker Washington?
Parker Washington has definitely lived up to the training camp buzz this season. He's been one of the deadliest slot receivers in the league this season, and Justin Walley's inconsistent play can be a big problem here.
Lou Anarumo will have to keep multiple guys on him in this one. Make someone else beat you, especially since the Jaguars have seemingly given up on Brian Thomas Jr. and don't have many weapons in the passing game.
How to put pressure on Trevor Lawrence?
Trevor Lawrence is an elite passer when given a clean pocket, but he can also be extremely erratic when he's under duress. The Jaguars' offensive line is a tad below the middle of the pack, though the Colts' pass rush has been mediocre at best.
Losing DeForest Buckner will be a brutal blow in the trenches, though Adetomiwa Adebawore has taken big leaps as a headhunter. Can someone else step up and help collapse the pocket? Otherwise, it'll be a long day in the office.
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