'Sacksonville' defense has Jaguars roaring

Oct 23, 2017 - 12:09 AM INDIANAPOLIS -- In and around Florida's northeast coast, NFL fans suddenly are calling their city "Sacksonville."

That's because the Jaguars (4-3) have registered two games with 10 sacks each this season, including 10 on Sunday in an impressive 27-0 AFC South victory over the struggling Indianapolis Colts (2-5) in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Seven different Jaguars defenders had at least a hand in a sack of Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Sunday when Indianapolis was shut out for the first time since a 2002 playoff loss to the New York Jets.

Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue had 2.5 sacks for nine yards in losses, and defensive end Calais Campbell had two sacks of Brissett for 16.5 yards. Seven of Jacksonville's 10 sacks came during the second half.

--Opening up the offense

Jacksonville wide receiver Marqise Lee, who made four catches for 72 yards, liked the way the Jaguars executed their 29th-ranked NFL passing game with star running back Leonard Fournette sidelined Sunday with an ankle injury.

Blake Bortles completed 18 of 26 passes for a season-high 330 yards and one touchdown.

"It's just us as an offense as far as receivers and tight ends and things go, even running backs," Lee said. "We know we have to do more as far as the passing game as far as keeping the plays open as far as third downs and things like that. I feel we came out today and executed."

Eight Jacksonville receivers caught passes from Bortles.

--Telling it like it is

Indianapolis safety Darius Butler didn't hold back his emotions after Sunday's fifth loss in seven games.

"It is tough to come back into this locker room," Butler said. "You never want to lose, but losing like this at home -- that is not how you want to feel. But it is a long season, and we have to rally the troops and get back to work.

"Sometimes, you get knocked on your ass, and you've got to get up. You don't have a choice. You get fired, you've got to get up and go find a way to eat."

The Colts defense surrendered 518 yards and gained 232.

--Loves to put it up

Bortles enjoyed displaying the Jacksonville passing game.

"Hopefully, the opponent continues to stack the box, and we can keep doing that," Bortles said. "It's a little more fun as a quarterback to throw the ball than to hand it off, but as long as you are winning, it's irrelevant. So, we will do whatever."