With the Jacksonville Jaguars nearing Week six, LWOS takes a look at the current status of the team. In this installment we check out arguably the most talents group on the Jaguars. The receiving core.
Jacksonville Jaguars Receiving Corps Quarterly Review
The A-Team
Last Year
Star wide receiver duo Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns had a stellar 2015 season. Putting up a combined 2,731 receiving yards, the “A-team” thrived on a big play oriented offense. Although head coach Gus Bradley has been attempting to implement a “run first offense” during his tenure, the Jaguars have had difficulty getting this going. Thus quarterback Blake Bortles and company have been able to utilize the air attack. The Jaguars also have often played from behind in most games. This attributes to the offensive numbers that they were able to produce.
Often being likened to the “Thunder and Lightning” tandem of old Jaguars receivers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell, the A-team is still earning its identity. This year has again proved tough for Jacksonville as they currently sit below .500. The offense at times has seen glimpses of pure efficiency and other times just total lackluster.
Through Week 5
Allen Robinson has put up at least 50 yards of receiving every game thus far. Hurns however has struggled slightly as he saw his lowest reception total last week against the Indianapolis Colts with only two. Both receivers at times have made some questionable drops through four weeks. This for the most part are isolated instances as we hope they don’t continually occur.
Through four weeks, Allen Robinson has totaled 238 yards. This is down from last years 330 yards through the same time. Continually, Hurns had 314 this time last year but only has put up 226 yards. One could argue there are things you must take into account such as different teams and different defenses yet this years slate of secondaries has been weaker compared to last year. The most important difference this year has been the running game and the tempo of the offense. And the tempo by no means hasn’t changed from a fundamental stand point, but as a game feel stand point.
The Jaguars are predominantly still playing from behind in games but for the most part haven’t been outright blown out (disregard the San Diego Chargers game). What this means is they have been able to stick to their game plan, run the ball, and play as if they still are in the game, not striving to put points up quick and throw bombs to catch up.
Robinson’s and Hurns’ numbers this year prove to me the offense is maturing not declining.
Tight Ends
When Marcedes Lewis reconstructed his contract in the off-season fans were delighted to see he wanted to retire with Jacksonville. Now with the regular season underway, Lewis hasn’t put up outstanding numbers or made any unbelievable catches, but he does provide security at the position when oft-injured Julius Thomas is unable to play. He has done exactly what has been expected of the veteran NFL Tight end. As most of his catches this season have come on early downs and on short yardage passes, you can’t really call him a “security blanket” for Bortles but he does have insurance he is able put up positive yards.
Julius Thomas began the season with 64 yards and one touchdown against Green Bay and then 71 yards against San Diego. Week three however proved tough as he only hauled in two receptions for 13 yards against Baltimore. Thomas did not play in week four due to injury.
Throughout the Jaguars history with Blake Bortles under center, the offense has struggled putting up touchdowns in the redzone. Thomas is an excellent tight end and has proven that with his time with the Denver Broncos. Fans would like to see him get more targets in the redzone and more attempts at scoring opportunities. He has the potential to make big plays however, Julius is still building up his rapport with Bortles. As the year goes on, look for Thomas to stay healthy and put up numbers.
Greene, Lee, and the rest
The rest of the wide outs include lots of young and fast individuals. Between Rashad Greene Sr. and Marquise Lee, there’s a wealth of talent alone with our third and fourth wide receivers. And although Robinson and Hurns take the majority of targets, Greene and Lee are still a threat down field. There has been much praise and hype for Marqise Lee throughout his career but he has never been able to put together a successful string of games due to injury. Through week five, Lee has been able to stay healthy and the numbers show. Putting up 169 yards through four weeks, Lee still is a viable option at receiver and has big play potential whereas Greene as been targeted significantly less and has been used in special teams.
As a Whole
You can’t help but notice the large nucleus of talent this young Jaguars team has. Its potential that is begging to be tapped into. Hopefully 2016 becomes a year that the receiving core, along with the rest of the squad, can begin to mature and show signs of continuity. One can hope that as the season plays on, Jacksonville will find its groove.
