5 Questions with Big Cat Country: What’s it like, going to the playoffs?

In Week 17 of 2025 our Indianapolis Colts will host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Knowing the party was coming to town, I sat down with Gus Lodge of Big Cat Country, SB Nation’s Jaguars blog. You can find him on Twitter @gus_lodge or @duval22dotcom. We swapped questions and answers about both the Jaguars and the Colts and what follows is what I’ve learned about this week’s enemy.

You can find my answers to his questions here.

Chris Shepherd: The Jaguars are going to the playoffs. Twice Jacksonville has made the AFC Championship Game. Do you think this team could be the team to finally get over that hump and get the Jaguars to the Super Bowl and win the thing? If so, what is it about this team that gives you that hope??

Gus Lodge:I think this new regime has shown all the signs you could want, so the hump could be crossed this decade, but the 2025 Jaguars will probably fall short due to a lack of playoff experience. The depth chart and the coaching staff are both young, and while that means they’re hungry, they just haven’t seen a lot of reps deep into January. The idea that Coen/Lawrence could be an East Coast version of McVay/Stafford and just power Jacksonville through the postseason is what gives me Super Bowl hope.

Chris Shepherd: If your team were rudderless and starting Philip Rivers at quarterback in the year 2025, how would you plan to beat the 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday??

Gus Lodge: It’s going to be tough for the Colts to lean on Jonathan Taylor on Sunday, as the Jaguars have allowed the least rushing yards per game (87.3) this season. Crazy as it might sound, riding Rivers may be the clearest path to victory for Indy. Jacksonville’s defense is gettable if you throw the ball on early downs in order to set up manageable situations on late downs. And big-bodied receivers have given the Jaguars’ issues all season, so Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce should be heavily involved. Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ passing offense is clicking right now. Play 2-hi safety structures and invite the run to shorten the game and avoid getting shredded. 

Chris Shepherd: Do Jaguars fans ever miss Jack Del Rio?

Gus Lodge:Um, I don’t think so? I was in elementary school during his tenure… I don’t think anyone in Jacksonville misses Del Rio the football coach, even before this season began, but maybe some part of Del Rio the person is missed. The only time I really hear his name is in reference to the “keep chopping wood” locker room incident. 

Writers note: I asked this question because it made me chuckle and Gus’ response made me chuckle more and any chuckles I can get as a Colts fan in this trying time are needed.

Chris Shepherd: What Jacksonville Jaguars player is most likely to have the biggest day against a defense that has seemed to just completely give up?

Gus Lodge:I’d say Brian Thomas Jr., who remains the most dangerous pass-catcher in Jacksonville’s offense. You could argue that Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange are better football players, and they’re certainly more consistent, but Thomas’ athletic traits are truly special. That’s why reigning DPOY Pat Surtain shadowed him last week. He’ll always be the top answer to “Which Jaguars receiver could put up crazy stats on Sunday?” 

Chris Shepherd: What’s your prediction for this game? How’s it going to go? What’s the final score?

Gus Lodge:Jacksonville is fairly healthy, and I don’t expect them to take their foot off the gas pedal after clinching a playoff berth last week. The division has yet to be clinched, and they’re holding on to hope of earning the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. I expect Rivers to have a few vintage plays and Lawrence to have several touchdowns. Jags 31, Colts 21.

I can’t thank Gus enough for answering this week’s questions. Make sure you head over to Big Cat Country and @gus_lodge on Twitter to check out his work.

As always, go Colts.