Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Complete Game Recap & Player Stats
The Indianapolis Colts ended their 2024 campaign in stunning fashion, outlasting the Jacksonville Jaguars 26–23 in overtime at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 5, 2025. In a contest that swung back and forth from the first quarter to the final whistle, Jonathan Taylor’s relentless running and Matt Gay’s clutch overtime kick sealed one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
The Jaguars pushed hard behind Mac Jones and Cam Little, but small mistakes and defensive fatigue in the closing minutes cost them yet another tight divisional matchup.
Game Overview
It didn’t take long for fireworks to begin. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco opened the Colts’ scoring with a perfect 40-yard strike to Alec Pierce, sending the crowd into an early roar. Jacksonville’s response was immediate — Tank Bigsby powered through the goal line to tie the game, before Cam Little’s 53-yard field goal put the Jaguars ahead briefly.
The Colts reasserted control thanks to Jonathan Taylor, who punched in a 6-yard touchdown and helped establish a steady rhythm. Matt Gay added two field goals before halftime, giving Indianapolis a 20–13 cushion.
In the fourth quarter, Mac Jones engineered an impressive drive, finding Parker Washington for a 9-yard touchdown to even the score. Both kickers traded late field goals, and the game marched into overtime at 23–23.
That’s when Taylor took over again — six straight runs to move the chains before Matt Gay nailed the 38-yard game-winner, clinching the Colts’ victory in style.
Scoring Summary
|
Quarter |
Team |
Scoring Play |
Type |
Updated Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1Q (13:50) |
Colts |
Flacco → Pierce 40-yd TD (Gay kick) |
🏈 TD |
IND 7–0 |
|
1Q (8:12) |
Jaguars |
Bigsby 1-yd TD run (Little kick) |
🏈 TD |
7–7 |
|
2Q (14:17) |
Jaguars |
Little 53-yd FG |
🎯 FG |
JAX 10–7 |
|
2Q (9:32) |
Colts |
Taylor 6-yd TD run (Gay kick) |
🏈 TD |
IND 14–10 |
|
2Q (3:22) |
Colts |
Gay 49-yd FG |
🎯 FG |
IND 17–10 |
|
2Q (1:25) |
Jaguars |
Little 28-yd FG |
🎯 FG |
IND 17–13 |
|
2Q (0:13) |
Colts |
Gay 36-yd FG |
🎯 FG |
IND 20–13 |
|
4Q (7:50) |
Jaguars |
Jones → Washington 9-yd TD (Little kick) |
🏈 TD |
20–20 |
|
4Q (3:52) |
Colts |
Gay 45-yd FG |
🎯 FG |
IND 23–20 |
|
4Q (1:44) |
Jaguars |
Little 53-yd FG |
🎯 FG |
23–23 |
|
OT (5:23) |
Colts |
Gay 38-yd FG (Game Winner) |
🎯 FG |
IND 26–23 (OT) |
Player Performance Stats
Indianapolis Colts — Key Performers
|
Player |
Position |
Performance |
|---|---|---|
|
Joe Flacco |
QB |
23/40, 264 YDS, 1 TD |
|
Jonathan Taylor |
RB |
34 CAR, 177 YDS, 1 TD |
|
Josh Downs |
WR |
10 REC, 94 YDS |
|
Michael Pittman Jr. |
WR |
6 REC, 72 YDS |
|
Alec Pierce |
WR |
2 REC, 57 YDS, 1 TD |
|
Zaire Franklin |
LB |
8 TCKL, 1 SACK |
|
Julian Blackmon |
S |
5 TCKL, 1 INT |
|
Matt Gay |
K |
4/5 FG, 2/2 XP, 14 PTS |
Jacksonville Jaguars — Key Performers
|
Player |
Position |
Performance |
|---|---|---|
|
Mac Jones |
QB |
20/32, 225 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
|
Tank Bigsby |
RB |
14 CAR, 39 YDS, 1 TD |
|
Brian Thomas Jr. |
WR |
7 REC, 103 YDS |
|
Brenton Strange |
TE |
4 REC, 60 YDS |
|
Parker Washington |
WR |
2 REC, 15 YDS, 1 TD |
|
Travon Walker |
DE |
5 TCKL, 1 SACK |
|
Devin Lloyd |
LB |
6 TCKL, 2 TFL |
|
Cam Little |
K |
3/3 FG (53 long), 2/2 XP |
Team Stats Comparison
|
Category |
Colts |
Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
429 |
319 |
|
Passing Yards |
252 |
206 |
|
Rushing Yards |
177 |
113 |
|
First Downs |
24 |
19 |
|
3rd Down Efficiency |
5/15 (33%) |
5/14 (36%) |
|
Turnovers |
0 |
1 |
|
Time of Possession |
35:58 |
30:51 |
|
Penalties |
3–15 |
4–57 |
Top Five Impact Players
- Jonathan Taylor (IND): Carried the offense in crunch time with 177 yards.
- Matt Gay (IND): Calm and clinical — 14 points including the OT winner.
- Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX): Emerged as a future WR1 with another 100+ yard game.
- Mac Jones (JAX): Made efficient throws under heavy pressure.
- Joe Flacco (IND): Used experience to manage the game’s rhythm and tempo.
You may also be interested in the stats of Jacksonville Jaguars game against Houston Texans
Turning Points
- Early Deep Strike: Flacco’s 40-yard touchdown pass established momentum.
- Taylor’s Power Drives: His late runs broke the Jaguars’ defensive stamina.
- Little’s Long Boots: His two 53-yard field goals kept Jacksonville alive.
- Overtime Execution: Colts’ line dominance gave Gay an easy setup for the winner.
Analyst Takeaways
The Colts executed one of their most balanced performances of the season. With Flacco’s accuracy and Taylor’s punishing consistency, Indianapolis controlled tempo and time of possession. Defensively, they forced Jacksonville into uncomfortable third-down situations and capitalized late.
For the Jaguars, another close loss summarized their 2024 season — competitive yet inconsistent. Mac Jones played with composure, and Brian Thomas Jr. once again flashed star potential, but untimely errors and lack of physical push in the trenches proved costly.
Fan FAQs
Q: Who was the game’s MVP?
A: Running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 177 yards and carried the offense in OT.
Q: What went wrong for Jacksonville?
A: Despite strong offensive moments, their run defense collapsed late.
Q: Which player delivered the game-winner?
A: Matt Gay, hitting a 38-yard field goal in overtime.
Q: Was this Joe Flacco’s best performance?
A: Statistically moderate, but his leadership and timing were crucial to victory.
Final Thoughts
In an intense divisional showdown, the Colts proved their ability to grind out close wins behind veteran experience and relentless running. Jonathan Taylor’s endurance and Matt Gay’s precision gave Indianapolis a fitting season finale.
The Jaguars, while showing promise, must find a way to close games better. Their offense flashed potential, but defensive fatigue and small lapses in execution continue to haunt them.
Final Score: Indianapolis Colts 26 – Jacksonville Jaguars 23 (OT)
