INDIANAPOLIS – Of the Colts seven game day inactives for this weekend, the team already knows three of those who will be spectating.
A bit of a banged up Colts group will be back in the AFC South on Sunday with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here's a rundown of what Chuck Pagano and Darius Butler had to say to the media on Friday:
Chuck Pagano on this weekend's contest:
"In the National Football League you guys know how hard it is to win football games, so we've got to do a great job in all three phases because they're going to come in here and play their tails off."
Bowen's Analysis: The Jaguars bring a 1-9 record to Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend. Their one victory came in a 24-6 win over the Browns last month.
Take one look at Thursday night with the Raiders and Chiefs to see the amount of parity in the NFL. While the Jaguars have struggled lately, they have typically played very well after bye weeks. The Colts have won 10 straight AFC South games with their last home divisional loss coming to Jacksonville back in 2012.Chuck Pagano on getting rookie Donte Moncrief more opportunities:
"We've got a lot of playmakers. Certainly we know Donte is a very, very talented young player. There's video evidence out there that the guy can make plays.
"He's going to have his opportunities. A lot depends on how the game goes, personnel groupings, how they play us, those type of things. Certainly we'd like to get him a few more opportunities because we know he can make a play."
Bowen's Analysis: This is a frequently asked question among Colts fans. Ever since the Steelers game, Moncrief has been an intriguing prospect who flourished in an expanded role that evening.
His reps haven't been significant the past few weeks but that could change with the Colts now dealing with some injuries. With Ahmad Bradshaw and Dwayne Allen out of the lineup, playmakers will need to emerge. Moncrief doesn't fall into those position groups but he's certainly shown the ability to make plays in a variety of roles.Darius Butler on if the Patriots loss has lingered:
"…We've got a divisional opponent at home and that's the most important thing---getting win No. 7."
Bowen's Analysis: Whenever Jacksonville appears on the schedule, it usually means Darius Butler is around the football. Ever since Butler joined the Colts he's forced a turnover in four straight games against the Jags.
Butler will in all likelihood start opposite Vontae Davis on Sunday with Greg Toler (concussion) out. It will mark the first time this season that the Colts have been without their starting corner duo, forcing Davis to slide to the outside in the base defense.INJURY NOTES
Here is the Colts final injury report of the week:
-OUT- Dwayne Allen (ankle), Gosder Cherilus (shoulder) and Greg Toler (concussion).
-Without Allen, look for expanded roles from Coby Fleener and Jack Doyle. Chuck Pagano said that either Joe Reitz or Xavier Nixon would start at right tackle in place of Cherilus. Toler's situation was touched on above.
-PROBABLE- Arthur Jones (ankle) and Trent Richardson (illness).
-Jones will return to the lineup for the first time since the Steelers game. In 2014, Jones hasn't played a complete game since the regular season opener.
