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The Jacksonville Jaguars were 28-point underdogs Sunday against the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning. That’s a lot for an NFL team, a group of player that are paid to play this game to put bread on their table.
The Jaguars have been terrible this year, but maybe all the talk about the line on the game inspired the Jags. They played the Broncos hard all game, ultimately falling 35-19. Jacksonville finally showed signs of life, posting 362 yards of total offense with 71 on the ground and 291 through the air.
Related: Jacksonville Jaguars Show Tremendous Heart in Loss to Denver Broncos
Chad Henne threw for 303 yards with no touchdowns and two picks. His top target was Justin Blackmon, who in his second game back from a suspension hauled in 14 catches for 190 yards. He’s gone over 100 yards receiving in both games since he came back, notching five receptions and 136 yards the week before.
Blackmon has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgetful season. He’s living up to the top-five pick the Jags used on him in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Though it’s only been two games, he’s amassed over 300 yards receiving. If there’s any player on this team that is untouchable, it’s Blackmon. That’s including Maurice Jones-Drew, who the team has been rumored to be open to trading. Blackmon has all the intangibles to be one of the top receivers in the league and if the team could find a franchise quarterback, he could put up some monstrous numbers.
A lot of fans are chanting for Teddy Bridgewater because Blaine Gabbert isn’t the answer. That’s a combo that could be the start of turning the Jags around. For now, it’s going to remain a struggle, but Blackmon is a keeper.
