Jaguars Season Hits Road Block

by PhoenixJaidin | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

Despite a stellar, 117 yard, 2 touchdown performance against the rival Colts and vaunted cornerback Vontae Davis, the Jaguars couldn't stop the bleeding as Colts' rookie running back Marcell Hebert out of Nebraska, thrashed their stout run defense for 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Colts downed the Jaguars in the final division game for the cats, 24-17. A once solid lead within the division just fell apart, as the Jaguars find themselves in dire straits, as the loss to the Titans when coach was missing has caught back up to them. Now sitting at 6-3 with a 4-2 divisional record, they trail the 7-3 Colts who are sitting 4-1 within the division.

Luckily, their season is still a solid one despite some hiccups, but now they prepare for a tough stretch as after facing the 4-5 Bengals, they sandwich the 0-9 Rams with matchups against AFC North leading Pittsburgh (9-0) and NFC West leading Arizona (9-1). They will truly need to up the ante as this could be the point to decide whether the Jaguars will have a chance to recover from their Wild Card loss to the Cleveland Browns last year, or miss the playoffs and find themselves well short of their expectations.

Blake Bortles has put together a solid season, so far, completing 67.4% of his passes for 2389 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. A field general with a cannon, Bortles' is looking forward to another solid season and is projected to end with around 34 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions.

Third year back, TJ Yeldon has rushed for 745 yards with 7 rushing touchdowns on the season so far, sporting a solid 4.4 yards per carry average. He has also added another 159 yards receiving with a touchdown, as he continues to be a solid asset for this power packed offense.

The receiving corps has continued to shine, as superstar Allen Robinson, despite a slow start on the season, leads his team with 621 yards and 6 touchdowns catches. Tight end Julius Thomas seconds him with 501 yards and a touchdown, but has also accounted for the most drops, as he has 3 so far. Slot receiver Marqise Lee, who signed a new contract locking his future in Jacksonville, comes in at third with 379 yards, while Allen Hurns has contributed for 298 yards opposite of Robinson. Both Lee and Hurns have 4 touchdowns apiece. Tight end Will Tye and wideout Rashad Greene have the other 2 touchdown receptions for the team, filling out the offensive lineup.

Defensively, the team has once again come together to create a dynamic threat, as many different members are involved in various aspects. The superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey leads the team with 3 interceptions. His opposite starting corner is young rookie Roshawn Avant, who has 2 interceptions already, including a pick six from his first NFL game, while Prince Amukamara has transitioned to slot defender well with 2 interceptions along with a sack. The rookie backdrop of Paul Ottis and Diamond Bragg in the secondary have each contributed 2 interceptions, while third safety Keron Turk has 1 and veteran Tashaun Gipson has 1. Finally, inside linebackers Christian Jones and Myles Jack have each added 2 interceptions apiece. The pressure generated from the defensive front, however, is what opens the field up for the defensive backs as outside linebackers Telvin Smith and Dante Fowler Jr have contributed 6 and 7 sacks respectively, while new acquisition John Simon has also brought 6 sacks. Rookie nose tackle Jacorie Ballard has a sack, as does outside linebacker Churphy Richmond, while aging veteran Paul Posluszny has added 3 from the middle of the field.

Oddly enough, just passing the trade deadline, the team has announced that contract talks have stalled with dime corner Aaron Colvin, who has since been demoted to quarter cornerback. Meanwhile, since signing his extension, Lee has proven to be a valuable slot cornerback who is both shifty and tall, create a unique threat from that position. Allen Robinson resigned early and has since proven his value as he is the unquestioned leader in the offense, demanding presence, as he punishes defenders if left alone, or opens up for his fellow offensive members when doubled up on.