Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
In a Jacksonville Jaguars‘ offense that features three rookie wide receivers, fourth-year wideout Cecil Shorts III was expected to provide a stabilizing presence. However, a nagging hamstring injury, which caused him to miss three games, has led to questions about his importance to Jacksonville’s offense.
That is until last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans when Shorts more than proved his value to the rookie-laden offense. Despite a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter, Shorts had a career-high 10 receptions for 103 yards and was a favorite target of rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.
The Jaguars had their entire receiving corps — Shorts, Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns — healthy for the first time last Sunday. For the first time in Shorts’ career he has talent around him and a more than capable quarterback. His role should only continue to expand in the weeks to come, which is why he is the Jaguars’ X-factor heading into Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Shorts will spend much of the game matched up against the Browns’ Joe Haden, one of the NFL‘s best cornerbacks. Shorts has had success against Haden in the past, catching a game-winning 20-yard touchdown late during the Jaguars’ 32-28 win over Cleveland last December.
It was not that long ago that Shorts was considered an emerging player at wide receiver in this league. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop a strong rapport with Bortles, he has the potential to be an X-factor for the Jaguars not only for this week, but going forward for the rest of the season.
K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.
