Indianapolis Colts "Pursue" Perfection?

Another Thursday night game on the NFL Network. This week's Indy-Jacksonville tilt will provide some interest unlike the previous weeks.

The Indianapolis Colts are in pursuit for the NFL's Holy Grail, a perfect season. The Patiots came close a couple of years ago. Indy seems to be in this position frequently, but with no results as being "prefect".

One thing that should raise a lot of eyebrows is Colts head coach Jim Caldwell's statement that all healthy starters will play...or something along those lines. Then on Monday, Caldwell's Colts have an injury report with 29 players listed. Here's a peek at that list on nfl.com. Sure, Indy has been one of the NFL's more injured teams this season, but we should all feel like we're being seen as less than smart by this ploy.

So...the game.

Once Indy decides who to play and who to sit, it will be the defense that controls the result. We all know what the Colts offense is capable of doing...putting up points in matter of seconds. The defense must set the tone for the Cots. Priority #1 is Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew. If Indy can take "Pocket Hercules" away from the Jags offense, that will force Jacksonville to go to the air and make the Jags one-dimensional.

That would create havoc as the Colts DEs (Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis) could have free shots at Jags QB David Garrard. We've all seen what those ends can do. The result can be very unpleasant for opponents.

And Jacksonville must establish Jones-Drew. By having the run be the main emphasis of the offense, that would free up Garrard. I would actually move Garrard around a little. A rollout or bootleg should keep the defense a bit more hoest and Garrard is capable of that. A moving target is harder to hit.

The Jaguars defense does have concerns. CB Rashean Mathis' health is a major issue. With Mathis, the Colts passing game might (and I stress the word, might) be a bit contained. Again, it is all depedent on how much Colts QB Peyton Manning plays. I expect at least three quarters, or until a Colts leads approaches three TDs, whichever happens first. I'm thinking three quarters.

Jacksonville needs a win to stay in the #6 seed in the AFC. Indy already has the #1 clinched. One thing to think about...how bad does Indy want a perfect season. The amount of time starters play tonight will be the indicator. Also factor in is that Indy will be on a long week for for the next game.

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