In one of the most entertaining games of the young season, the Indianapolis Colts outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars 45–38 to improve to 4–1 in the hyper-competitive AFC. It wasn’t a textbook defensive performance, but the Colts once again showed their resilience and playmaking ability in crunch time.
Despite giving up nearly 400 total yards — the most they’ve surrendered all year — the defense stepped up just enough when it mattered most, and the offense continued its red-hot form under quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Richardson was nearly flawless through the air, completing 18 of 20 passes for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also continued to punish defenses on the ground, adding 79 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries. His dual-threat presence has become the heart of the Colts’ attack, keeping opposing coordinators up late at night trying to game plan for his dynamic skill set.
But as electric as Richardson was, the offense once again flowed through its workhorse: Jonathan Taylor. The perennial All-Pro reminded everyone why he’s among the league’s elite, rushing 15 times for 112 yards and two scores, while adding 4 catches for 58 yards and another touchdown through the air. His 38-yard receiving touchdown on a perfectly executed screen highlighted the Colts’ offensive chemistry — particularly when star left guard Quenton Nelson pancaked a Jaguars safety downfield to spring Taylor for the score.
Tight end Tyler Warren continued to prove his value as a red-zone weapon, hauling in 4 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Rookie wideout Eugene Wilson was quiet by his early-season standards, finishing with 3 catches for just 12 yards, but the Colts didn’t need a monster outing from him with Taylor and Richardson doing most of the damage.
While the defense bent plenty, it refused to break when it counted. Safety Nick Cross led the way with 7 tackles and a key tackle for loss. Linebacker Segun Olubi and defensive lineman Grover Stewart each recorded a sack, and new free agent acquisition Shaquill Griffin made his mark with the game’s lone interception — a crucial turnover that halted a promising Jaguars drive late in the fourth quarter.
The biggest momentum swing of the night, however, came on special teams. Starting corner and return man Isaiah Bolden electrified the crowd with a 94-yard kickoff return touchdown midway through the third quarter, flipping the game’s momentum right as Jacksonville appeared to be gaining control.
Head coach Shane Steichen praised his team’s toughness after the game, acknowledging the defensive lapses but emphasizing the grit it took to finish strong. “We didn’t play our cleanest game,” Greeny said. “But we made plays when we had to — that’s what good teams do.”
With the victory, the Colts solidify themselves among the AFC’s early contenders, sitting at 4–1 despite dealing with a handful of injuries and nagging issues to key starters. Next week, they’ll look to keep the momentum going as they take on the Washington Commanders, before finally getting a much-needed bye week to rest and reset for the second half of the season.
If the Colts can clean up their defense while keeping the offense rolling behind Richardson and Taylor, this team could be on a collision course with a deep playoff run. For now, they’ll savor another hard-fought win in what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league.
