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Maurice Jones Drew missed 10 games last season and the Jacksonville Jaguars face planted bad enough to earn themselves the second-overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.
However, Jags’ fans had to be a little excited about what Cecil Shorts was able in 2012. This was Shorts’ first prime-time opportunity and he responded in a big way with 979 receiving yards and seven rushing touchdowns. It’s hard to believe the kind of production that Shorts poured in considering it was just his second year on the NFL gridiron.
Shorts and the rest of the 2012 Jaguars have a rather difficult task transitioning their play last season into this fall, however.
Considering MJD was such a vital part of the Jacksonville offense in 2011 and only rushed for 414 yards, it’s going to be interesting to see what exactly rookie head coach Gus Bradley decides to do with his team’s offense. One thing is for certain; Shorts is going to have a great year if indeed Jones Drew can return to his All-Pro self here in 2013. While it’s never a good idea to bank on lame Blaine Gabbert, the Jaguars passing offense should improve with a solid rushing attack, which they just didn’t have last year.
Take a look at Victor Cruz with the New York Giants.
His team usually ranks atop the NFL in rushing yards, yet he still has managed to go for over 1,000 receiving yards each of the last two seasons. Expect that same kind of production from Shorts, who should enjoy a few one-on-one match ups now that No. 32 is cemented in the Jags’ backfield.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
