Defense shines in Colts 10-3 victory over Jaguars

By John Onan  |   Sunday, September 18, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

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It was almost a replay of last week for the Indianapolis Colts, as their potent offense once again sputtered for most of the game against another tough defense. And, as in last their win over the Baltimore Ravens in week one, their defense rose to the occasion as they edged the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars 10-3.

This win was a bit more complicated than the week before, as the Jacksonville Jaguars had a last gasp to tie the game behind a banged up Byron Leftwich. He had been hit hard on the preceding drive and appeared out of the game but courageously came back in to lead his team down the field with no timeouts left.

With the Indianapolis Colts leading by seven, Leftwich completed a 25-yard pass to wide receiver Ernest Wilford. After spiking the ball with :03 to go, he heaved a pass towards the end zone to Jimmy Smith. In a controversial finish, Smith appeared to be hit by a Colts defender before the ball got there, but the referee didn't throw a flag and the incomplete pass sealed the Colts triumph 10-3.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning struggled most of the day, but the Colts running game helped lead them on a 17-play drive to finally gain a 7-3 advantage in the fourth quarter. Manning was only 13-of-28 for 122 yards passing with an interception. Running back Edgerrin James shouldered the load, gaining 128 yards on 27 carries as he and James Mungro ran it 14 of the 17 plays on their lone touchdown drive.

For Jacksonville, Leftwich finished 16-of-29 for 198 yards, but was harassed all day by the Colts pass rushers. They forced him to fumble three times, even though Jacksonville was able to recover all of them. Fred Taylor added 81 yards on 16 carries.
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