If Gus Bradley goes to London as coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will he return in the same capacity? In a scenario reminiscent of what the Dolphins went through last season, Bradley’s time could be coming to an end. The Jags continue to bumble and stumble on the field and their antics cost them a win Sunday. At least in Week 4 they won’t hear the hometown fans booing as they take on the Indianapolis Colts across the pond in the first game of the league’s International Series at Wembley Stadium.
This matchup in Week 4 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. ET at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Indianapolis Colts -1.5
Jacksonville Jaguars +1.5
Over/Under 49.5
Odds Analysis
The Jaguars haven’t been very good in the states so maybe they’ll have better luck playing on another continent. The Colts opened at -1 but the line was quickly wagered to -1.5 and could go even higher given Jacksonville’s woes. The Jags hung 51 on the Colts when the teams last played, but that was a meaningless contest and Indy was without Andrew Luck. Things will be different this time around and the total appears out of reach for these teams.
Injury Report
Donte Moncrief – The Colts will be without one of their top receivers for another few weeks as Moncrief recovers from a shoulder injury. His absence leaves Indy with just two experienced receivers in T.Y. Hilton and Phillip Dorsett, who will asked to pick up the slack. Hilton is the primary target and if the Jags can shut him down they could limit what Andrew Luck and the Colts do in the passing game.
Kelvin Beachum – Jacksonville’s big free agent addition has been anything but. The left tackle sat out last game with a concussion, joining starting center Brandon Linder on the sideline. The Jags had to shuffle their offensive line with rookies Tyler Shatley and Chris Reed making their first career starts. The offense struggled and Bradley used some conservative play calling throughout the game. Bortles was sacked four times and looked nervous throughout.
Key Stat
The Jaguars have come up with different ways to lose games and all they really need is to get a win to lift the monkey off their back. The team had the pieces in place and was touted by many to be a threat in the AFC South. But after three weeks, they remain winless and likely to cost Bradley his job if things don’t improve.
Once again the Jags had several chances to seal that first victory and once again they found a way to lose. Down by two points in the fourth quarter, Jacksonville had the ball in Ravens’ territory three times but managed just three points. Bortles tossed two of his three interceptions in the fourth quarter and a blocked field goal led to their demise. Jacksonville turned the ball over three times in the game and their seven giveaways for the season are tied for the fourth-most in the NFL. It’s tough to win games and even more difficult when you constantly turn the ball over. The Jags’ -3 turnover differential has them ranked 25th in the league in that category.
Free ATS Pick
It’s hard not to like Bradley and his always positive attitude, but the reality is the Jaguars have to start winning games or the coach will be unemployed. Jacksonville has the talent, there’s no question about that, but the Jags just haven’t put things together and losing has become so routine that we expect them to fail. The players continue to say all the right things, but at some point they have to start producing. With their backs against the wall and staring at a 0-4 record, the club has to pull one out.
It’s not like the Colts are the dominant force they once were. Hell, Indy was lucky to beat San Diego and could easily be 0-3 too, but they aren’t. Luck looks human and the Colts have their own injury concerns to deal with. It’s time Bortles and the Jags’ offense actually make a few plays. Look for the Jags to open up the play book and take advantage of their outstanding receiving corps against a secondary that’s still hurting. This is the game the Jags turn their season around.
NFL Odds: Jaguars 26, Colts 21
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