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Jacksonville Jaguars: Gauging the impact of losing Marqise Lee

By Larry Brake

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 25: Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons reaches out to Marqise Lee #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars while Lee is being helped off the field following an injury during a preseason game at TIAA Bank Field on August 25, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 25: Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons reaches out to Marqise Lee #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars while Lee is being helped off the field following an injury during a preseason game at TIAA Bank Field on August 25, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are left gaging the impact of losing Marqise Lee for the 2018 NFL season

Marqise Lee figured to be Blake Bortles’ top target this season. Lee’s season came to a screeching halt on one play with a nasty leg injury. The entire Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps went onto the field to support the injured Lee.

Head coach Doug Marrone seemed to be shaken in the post-game presser discussing the injury to Lee. He knew that there would be bad news coming.

John Oehser of Jaguars.com reported the following:

"“I’m just saying, did anyone think it didn’t look bad? I’m just saying it looked bad. I’m just like you in that, you know what I’m saying; I’m waiting for the doctor to tell me so I can tell you guys, but I know what I see. I’m not going to sit there and say it didn’t look bad. It looked bad.”"

On Monday, Lee was placed on the injured reserve list, finished for the season. Lee has battled through injuries since his rookie season. He missed two games last season and has been sidelined for 11 in his career.

This leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, initially. Remember Lee and Bortles were drafted in the same 2014 draft. Bortles targeted Lee for third down conversions on the slant route over the middle. Bortles targeted Lee 201 times in the past two seasons. Most of all, he averaged over 12 yards per reception for his career. He moved the chains down field.

Marrone addressed Lee’s production on third down. Oehser quotes his remarks from Monday:

"“Marqise brought a level of toughness to that room, and he obviously has been a very productive player for us in the past – specifically on third down.”"

Whether it’s Donte Moncrief, Dede Westbrook or Keelan Cole, Jacksonville is in need of a clutch receiver. Don’t expect the Jaguars to bring in a free agent to replace Lee. Someone will grow into that role.

Next. NFL 2018: Power ranking the 8 divisions. dark

Just as Lee filled the void of past injured receivers, that clutch receiver is currently on the roster. Time will tell but let’s see what happens week 1 in New York. It’s going to be an exciting season.

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