NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Return of Marcedes Lewis Is Key To Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 12 Win

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By @MWCompton

Marcedes Lewis Jaguars

Mike Dinovo-USA Today Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley continues to lament the need to work together and get better from game to game. That’s especially true for rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. While the first-year signal-caller has flashed potential and extends plays with his innate ability to avoid the rush, Bortles has been turnover-prone. His rookie mistakes, usually a result of trying to make big plays, have prematurely halted threatening drives and have proved costly for the Jaguars on numerous occasions.

The offensive woes, however, are a team effort. Bortles is surrounded by rookies. There’s help on the way, though, as veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, who has been out of action since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 2, was activated from inured reserved/designated to return on Monday and is expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Lewis’ return is key to Jaguars’ Week 12 win.

One of the best blockers at his position in the game, Lewis will help the run game (the Jaguars averaged 0.6 more yards per carry when he was on the field last year) and he will provide Bortles a reliable target with sure hands in the red zone. Before getting injured, Lewis caught eight passes for 106 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown against the Washington Redskins.

The first-round draft pick out of UCLA in 2006 has hauled in 305 receptions for 3,689 yards and 26 touchdowns in his professional career. Lewis’ return should provide stability and a much-needed spark to an offense that is averaging just 15.8 points a game (31st in the league) and ranks near the bottom in all offensive statistical categories.

While the Jaguars had shown glimpses of an imminent turnaround all season, they regressed in the loss to the Dallas Cowboys in London prior to the bye week break. Bradley said that his players returned to practice on Monday not disheartened, but energized following a week off. Whether or not that translates to victories on the field remains to be seen, but with two weeks to get healthy and prepare for the Colts, the Jaguars could take a huge step in the right direction with a road upset over the reigning AFC South champions.

Jacksonville was 0-8 entering their bye last year and finished the season with interest, going 4-4 the rest of the way. It’s not out of the question for the Jaguars to bring the curtain down on this season in similar fashion as only two of Jacksonville’s remaining opponents have winning records.

Getting Lewis back is huge for the Jaguars as the young team continues to form chemistry, and his veteran presence will impact all phases of the offense. The Jaguars have flashed promise in the passing game thanks to Bortles and have shown glimpses of a productive running game with Denard Robinson’s emergence. All that remains for Jacksonville is to put it all together.

Michael Compton is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter at @MWCompton and connect with him on Google.

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