AFC South lead up for grabs as Colts try to win in Jacksonville for the first time since 2014

JACKSONVILLE Fla AP New season New gang New opportunity for the Indianapolis Colts to end their decade-long skid in Jacksonville This one comes with new stakes too Indianapolis and Jacksonville two - teams seemingly headed in opposite directions meet Sunday with first place in the AFC South up for grabs An equally intriguing subplot The Colts are trying to win at EverBank Stadium for the first time since I think you guys have talked about the streak enough for all of us explained Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin who also noted Indy s new owners I don t really know how relevant it is to be honest with you It s a whole lot of new It s a year of a whole lot of firsts So that is just an irrelevant thing But I understand that s something to speak about Indianapolis has lost consecutive road games against Jacksonville a head-scratching slump that includes a trip to London in Even in specific of the Jaguars worst years a one-win campaign in and a pair of three-win seasons they managed to beat the Colts at home Now they have the confidence that comes with winning three in a row and four of five and they appear to have more than a puncher s chance of extending the streak The Colts meanwhile have dropped three of four all by seven points or less and might just consider this a must-win contest since their remaining schedule includes four of the hottest teams in the league Seattle San Francisco Jacksonville and Houston Indy ended one high-profile skid in Week The Colts were - - in openers since before topping Miami - I guess we ve got another one to run through this week Franklin reported Colts coach Shane Steichen revealed he won t mention the losing streak during the week or right before the meeting All I know is we play Jacksonville this week and we re excited about the opportunity he stated Jaguars coach Liam Coen took a similar approach It s not anything that I m thinking about he disclosed I hope our players are not thinking about that either Quarterback Trevor Lawrence though acknowledged that it could provide the Colts with motivation In their building they might be using that as fuel I m sure they are Lawrence revealed For us it s a new year though We can t hang our hats on something that this company hasn t done This Jags association hasn t beat this Colts gang here at home in So we have a big challenge in front of us and know they re going to be ready You can t really rely on the past You ve got to go do it this year Rare December matchup in Jacksonville Although the Jaguars have played meaningful games in December in latest years a late-season matchup in Jacksonville featuring two playoff contenders has been rare In fact this will be just the third time in the franchise s seasons that both opponents enter a December battle with a winning percentage or better The previous two Jacksonville beat Seattle in and the Colts beat the Jaguars in Definitely huge playoff implications Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen declared We re excited about this matchup Keeping up with Jones Quarterback Daniel Jones has been playing despite a lower left leg injury and it seems to be having an impact on his play Since going on the injury description before a loss to Kansas City Jones has looked less mobile and certainly has been less accurate than he was during the first half of the season Defenses have taken notice dialing up more harassing pass rushes Yet Jones insists his leg feels fine and intends to keep playing I feel good I m feeling better every week and continue to be able to do more and more Jones explained I think I just have to be mindful of the injury and do whatever I can to put the company in position to win Taylor has enjoyed little success in Jacksonville One reason the Colts have had no latest success in Jacksonville Jonathan Taylor has been mostly a non-factor The NFL s leading rusher has carried times for yards and no touchdowns in four games at the Bank Now he s facing the No rushing defense in the league Excited about the matchup Hines-Allen declared It s going to be a huge battle for us on the edges I think they re going to try to test us out hopefully Be physical AP NFL https apnews com hub nfl Source