INDIANAPOLIS – For just the second time since 2002, the Colts will play a Week 17 game knowing the playoffs aren't possible.
After playing in London earlier this year, the Colts (7-8) and Jaguars (3-12) will meet at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Putting the obvious location of Sunday's game aside, the second matchup between these two teams has one major difference.
Gus Bradley is no longer at the helm in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars fired Bradley, following the team's Week 15 loss to the Texans, after four seasons as head coach.
With interim Doug Marrone taking over, the Jaguars stunned the Titans last week. The 38-17 victory by the Jaguars was the highlight of the season for a year that began with so much hope.
Jacksonville's offense has been stuck in neutral for much of 2016.
Quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown 16 interceptions and, despite plenty of talent at the skill positions, the Jaguars have the NFL's 26th ranked offense.
The issues on offense in 2016 weren't expected after the Jaguars improved in several offensive categories last season.
The Jags are, however, seeing significant strides defensively.
With many new faces on that side of the ball, the Jaguars rank 4th in total defense. This past year's first-round pick CB-Jalen Ramsey is a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
In their last 21 games, the Jaguars are 2-0 against the Colts. They are 2-17 against the rest of the NFL.
It was Jacksonville that ended the Colts' 16 straight AFC South win streak in a victory last December.
The Colts have never lost a regular season finale under Chuck Pagano.
*2016 Record: *3-12, 4th in the AFC South.
*Head Coach: *Doug Marrone, interim head coach, 3rd season as NFL head coach (1-0 as interim head coach, 16-17 overall regular season, 0-0 postseason record).
*2016 NFL Rankings: *Offense – Overall, 26th (325.9); Rushing, 25th (96.6); Passing, 23rd (229.3). Defense – Overall, 4th (317.5); Rushing, 20th (107.3); Passing, 3rd (210.3).
2016 Leading Passer: Blake Bortles (343-of-586 comp., 3,604 yards, 58.5 pct., 22 TDs, 16 INTs, 77.6 rating).
*2016 Leading Rusher: *T.J. Yeldon (130 carries, 465 yards, 1 TD).
2016 Leading Receiver: *Allen Robinson (68 receptions, 801 yards, 6 TDs).2016 Leading Sacker:* Yannick Ngakoue (7.0).
2016 Turnover Breakdown: Minus 16 (tied for 30th in the NFL).
2016 NFL Draft Results: The Jaguars were the talk of the 2016 Draft. They found talented defenders with their first four picks, including CB-Jalen Ramsey at No. 5 overall and LB-Myles Jack at No. 36 overall. In the fourth round, the Jaguars selected Notre Dame defensive tackle Sheldon Day, who attended Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Such a defensive haul was necessary with the young talent on offense already in pace.
2015 Review:With a young offensive core in place, the Jaguars showed promise in Gus Bradley's third season. The Jaguars were 4-6 heading into the final week of November, but could manage just one win (which came against the Colts) over the last six wins of the season. Despite picking in the top five for the third straight season, the Jaguars did decide to retain Bradley for a fourth season.
Last time in Playoffs: 2007 season. Lost to the New England Patriots, 31-20, in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs.
*Last time in Super Bowl: *Never.
*Super Bowl Championships: *None.
2016 Pro Bowl Selections: WR-Allen Robinson.
