Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Robinson’s void remains unfilled
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars are missing Allen Robinson presence in the passing game, and the team is still searching for someone to fill the void
The Jacksonville Jaguars are seeking to fill the void left by Allen Robinson. Robinson is out for the season due to an ACL injury suffered against Houston. Subsequently, the Jaguars need to find another reliable target for Blake Bortles.
Robinson was injured on a non-contact play on the third play of the game, and was put on season-ending IR after the fact. Robinson has played in 43 games since the 2014 season. He was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl after having a tremendous season. Robinson is the franchise’s fifth all time receiver with 202 receptions for 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The Jaguars miss Robinson’s presence in the passing game. Bortles is struggling to find a dependable receiver to target. Currently, the Jaguars receivers are unable to get open and find space in the opponents secondary. Or, they drop passes.
Jacksonville’s receivers have dropped nine passes through six games. Marqise Lee has dropped more than any other member of the group. This must be addressed and corrected. But what options does this team have to be the new No. 1 in lieu of Robinson?
Lee is playing well, despite his propensity to drop passes. He was targeted 10 times by Bortles against Los Angeles. He caught five for 83 yards. His best routes are on underneath crossing routes. Stretching the field vertically is not a strength for Lee.
Allen Hurns is struggling to find his place in the offense. However, he has a catch rate of 70 percent with 21 receptions on 30 targets. He has two touchdowns, but not on long throws. His longest reception is 20 yards. He is a finesse receiver too.
Keelan Cole is on the roster as an undrafted rookie because of his fantastic preseason fireworks. However, he is finding it difficult to create space against most NFL starting defenders. Currently, he has caught six passes for 47 yards while being targeted 18 times.
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Jacksonville may have to wait until rookie Dede Westbrook returns from the injured reserve list. But in the meanwhile, how about splitting Jalen Ramsey out wide as a receiver? Deion Sanders did it. In fact, he caught a 47 yard pass in Super Bowl XXX. Give Ramsey a special package in the passing attack, either as a target or decoy. It’s worth a try to ignite the passing attack that still misses Robinson being out there.