Jack Del Rio acknowledged that success on offense in the last two games may be partially attributed to a more aggressive game plan.
"I thought we had started a little conservatively. I want to be in the attack mode. I feel that has been embraced. The last couple of weeks have been more of what I'm looking for. We want to attack people to start the game," Del Rio told reporters on Friday.
The Jaguars scored on each of their first two possessions in their 31-24 loss to Indianapolis on Thursday night. Quarterback David Garrard found wide receiver Dennis Northcutt with a 28-yard touchdown pass to cap the first drive and then Garrard led a 17-play march that he capped with a two-yard run on a quarterback draw.
Garrard and the Jaguars offense were having their best game of the season until the situation turned sour in the fourth quarter. That's when the Jaguars produced two three-and-out possessions, the second of which ended with an interception and 35-yard touchdown return by Keiwan Ratliff that produced the deciding points.
"As well as Peyton Manning played last night, Reggie Nelson had a chance to go get one (interception), Derek Landri had a chance to go get one. I think David played well last night," Del Rio said, refusing to allow the Ratliff interception to taint an otherwise productive performance by Garrard.
The Jaguars amassed 409 total yards, only the third time this season the Jaguars have hit the 400-yard mark. Garrard completed 28 of 41 passes for 329 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 90.4 passer rating.
Those kinds of stats would be good enough to beat most teams and most quarterbacks, but not the Colts and Manning, who threw for 364 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 140.7 passer rating.
"He was excellent," Del Rio said of Manning. "It was an MVP-type performance. It was sensational. We did things you can't do against anybody, but if you do them against Peyton Manning he's going to torch you."
The Jaguars pass-defense struggled mightily, especially safety Reggie Nelson, who bit on a Manning pump-fake and allowed Reggie Wayne to catch a 41-yard touchdown pass.
"I think Reggie's a talented player. He's been the culprit of some glaring mistakes. He's had some missed tackles he needs to clean up. The eye violations (missed assignments) and the tackling are parts of his game that need to come for him to go to the next level," Del Rio said.
The Jaguars head coach praised the team's fans for their enthusiastic support, despite a 2-6 home record that ties the 1995 team for the worst home mark in franchise history. This will also mark the first time in the seven-year history of the AFC South that the Jaguars will finish in last place.
"I think it was the best year yet in the six years I've been here. The fans have been fantastic. We had a bunch of close games, not all of them went our way but our fans were here. We appreciate it," Del Rio said.
