Jaguars shut out Colts; tie for AFC South Division lead

T.J. Yeldon of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP

(Eagle News) -The Jacksonville Jaguars’ chances to take the top spot in the AFC South seemed dim after their home loss to the L.A. Rams last week.

However, their victory over the Indianapolis Colts shed some light at the end of the tunnel.

The Jaguars 27-0 rout of the Colts tied them with the AFC South’s Division leader, the Houston Texans.

Jaguar’s defense was once again the biggest takeaway with a record 10 sacks over the Colts.

The Jaguars lead the NFL with 33 sacks through 7 games into the season.

Their defensive pass rush is also emerging as one of the NFL’s best.

Defensive End Calais Campbell and Head Coach Doug Marrone boasted not only of the front four but also of the secondary.

Even with primary running back Leonard Fournette out due to an ankle injury, the Jaguars proved that they can still run the ball effectively.

Running back TJ Yeldon, a second round 2015 NFL Draft pick, rushed for 122 yards and a career high 58-yard touchdown.

“We knew we had him if something were to happen.,” said Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles about Yeldon.

The Jaguars total run game finished with 188 yards rushing on 37 carries.

Bortles had one of his best games in his career completing 18 of 26 for 330 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

In addition, he completed a 52-yard pass to rookie Keelan Cole in the first quarter, setting up the Jaguars for their first touchdown of the game.

The Jaguars will have a bye-week and will return on Nov 5 when they face the Cincinnati Bengals at home.

(Giovanni Pumarada, EBC Florida Bureau)