Colts Absorb 42-7 Defeat in Jacksonville
A 35-point loss marks the worst defeat of the Shane Steichen era, intensifying questions about the roster ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.
By Benjamin Bernard ·
The Indianapolis Colts dropped a 42-7 decision against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, marking the largest margin of defeat in the Shane Steichen era. The loss extends the team's record to 2-6 and adds to a 13-game losing streak in their last 15 contests.
The Jaguars capitalized on defensive lapses to score five touchdowns across nine drives. The Colts' unit struggled with coverage, allowing a 98-yard scoring drive early in the game. Rookie linebacker CJ Allen recorded a team-high 10 tackles and a sack of Trevor Lawrence, providing a bright spot for the defense.
Offensive execution faltered in wet conditions, epitomized by a trick play fumble in the first half. Jonathan Taylor lost the ball after a handoff to Josh Downs, resulting in a turnover. Quarterback Daniel Jones completed 19 of 28 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was benched in the fourth quarter after throwing another interception, allowing Anthony Richardson to enter the game for the first time in the 2026 season.
The trade deadline on November 10 looms as the Colts prepare to move assets. The team did not list any players as inactive on injury reports, keeping key figures available for potential deals. Jonathan Taylor finished with eight carries, a low volume that has drawn attention. The organization is listening to offers for Taylor and other players, though it is not actively shopping the running back.
Context for the rebuild includes the recent departures of Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. The Colts are positioned to send a top-10 pick to the New York Jets for the 2027 draft. The 35-point loss is the largest since the 2017 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The team now faces a four-game losing streak and a 12-game slump against opponents with winning records.
The Jaguars currently lead the AFC South with a 5-2 record. The Colts return home to face the Dallas Cowboys at 1:00 p.m. next week. The trade deadline arrives two days after that contest. The team remains winless against division rivals this season, having lost both AFC South matchups so far.
Source: WLHK
