Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 Players that must shine vs. Falcons in Week 16
By Larry Brake
2. Dede Westbrook must be a reliable target
The Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps has been a bright spot in the offense this season. Dede Westbrook has been the underneath target in the Jaguars aerial assault. However, he has battled through a nagging injury all season long.
D.J. Chark has emerged as the deep threat for Jacksonville’s passing attack. As you know, Chark is sidelined with a leg injury. Westbrook must be a reliable target for Minshew.
On the year, he has caught 57 passes for 583 yards. He has two receiving touchdowns. Most of all, Westbrook is averaging 10.2 yards per reception which moves the chains downfield.
The absence of the tight end position has thrust more reliance on Westbrook. James O’Shaughnessy opened the middle of the field for Westbrook until his season-ending injury. Jacksonville’s passing game has not been the same since losing O’Shaughnessy to the injured reserve list.
Minshew needs a reliable target when the pocket begins to crumble. Leonard Fournette has benefitted from dump-off passes as Minshew escapes the pressure. Atlanta will keep their eye on Fournette in those situations.
Currently, the Jaguars have three tight ends on the injured reserve list and receiver, Marqise Lee. Chris Conley and Keelan Cole have been healthy for the most part. The other receivers, on the depth chart, are vastly inexperienced. Westbrook needs to shine on Sunday.