falconstorm

http://www.jaguars.com/News/Article.aspx?id=6560



David Garrard wasn’t overly disappointed. He figures the next game between the two teams will be more important.

“We’re going to see them again, so we need to put this one behind us and focus on the rest of the season,” Garrard said following the Jaguars’ 28-25 loss to the Colts on Sunday, which all but clinched the Colts’ fifth consecutive AFC South title and relegated the Jaguars to pursuit of a wild-card playoff berth.

Garrard threw his first interception of the season, but at all other times turned in another outstanding performance. He finished 24 of 29 for 257 yards, two touchdowns and a 112.2 passer rating.

“I thought David played pretty well. Having a quarterback playing the way he’s playing gives us a legitimate chance to play anybody in the league,” coach Jack Del Rio said.

The Jaguars offense amassed 411 total net yards against what was the second-ranked defense in the league. The Jaguars passed and ran at will, with Fred Taylor topping the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive week. The Jaguars executed touchdown drives of 84, 69 and 78 yards.

Why didn’t they win? The answer was obvious: The Jaguars defense experienced its third meltdown game of the season, allowing 288 yards and four touchdowns passing to Peyton Manning, as the Colts converted 10 of 13 third-down attempts.

“Didn’t do enough to get off the field on third down. We had some breakdowns we’ll need to clean up,” Del Rio said of the Jaguars’ greatest failing. “The same things we were able to do to get them into third and long you have to be able to do to get off the field on third down.”


Manning’s receivers ran wide open in the Jaguars secondary. Cornerback Rashean Mathis, returning from a groin strain, was targeted early. Manning also went after the Jaguars’ young linebackers with his tight ends, as Dallas Clark caught seven passes for 60 yards. Wide receiver Reggie Wayne punctuated the Jaguars’ pass-defense failings by beating cornerback Brian Williams for a 48-yard touchdown reception.

“We didn’t quite get it done today but there were a lot of good things I saw. I’m really looking forward to getting these next 24 hours past us and move on to the next game. We just need to hold up a little better with the coverage,” Del Rio said.

The Jaguars were angered by officiating they believed was tilted in the Colts’ favor. Defensive end Paul Spicer, who continues to play the best of any Jaguars defensive lineman, was pointed in his remarks.

__________________