Jacksonville Jaguars: Young receivers are making big plays
By Larry Brake
Injuries have hurt the Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps, forcing the team to play young receivers, and these young guns are making big plays.
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost Allen Robinson in Week 1 at Houston. Allen Hurns has been sidelined because of an ankle injury. Three other receivers are on the Jaguars injured reserve list for this season.
Due to all the injuries, Jacksonville is being forced to play some young receivers. The Jaguars only have six receivers on the roster, two were out for Sunday’s Week 15 game. Marqise Lee injured his ankle while blocking. Three healthy receivers were left to finish the game.
Dede Westbrook was making his fifth appearance as a Jaguars receiver since starting the season on the injured reserve list. Keelan Cole, an undrafted rookie, made big plays in the preseason. Jaydon Mickens was making his name as the Jaguars punt return specialist.
Mickens is making huge plays in the return game. He returned a punt against Cincinnati for a touchdown. He had a 72-yard return to set up a Jacksonville touchdown against Seattle. After the injury to Lee, Mickens became the Jaguars slot receiver.
Westbrook is playing well since overcoming a preseason injury. He is making the best of his opportunity in replacing Hurns. He caught both passes for 21 yards and returned a punt for 19 yards against Houston. In five games, he has caught 22 passes for 256 yards with a touchdown while being targeted 35 times by Bortles.
Cole is becoming the big play receiver for Bortles. In preseason against New England, Cole had a 97-yard touchdown reception. He had a 75-yard touchdown reception against the Seahawks. He is becoming the deep threat in the Jaguars arsenal. Through week 15, Cole has 32 receptions for 607 yards with three touchdowns.
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On Sunday, Mickens scored two touchdowns. He caught four passes for 61 yards. Most of all, he was targeted five times by Blake Bortles.
The Jaguars should have Hurns and Lee back for the playoff run. The best thing is knowing that there is depth at receiver. Furthermore, the young receivers can be counted on to make big plays.