Jacksonville Jaguars: Rookie playmakers set up for big game vs. Miami
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie offensive playmakers James Robinson and Laviska Shenault are set up for big games on Thursday Night Football.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will play host to the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night in a matchup between two young and interesting teams. Both Jacksonville and Miami have done a nice job of stockpiling young talent in recent years and should be set up well for the long-term.
Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew has played well through two weeks and he has done a nice job of spreading the ball around. On Thursday night, the Jags have two rookie offensive playmakers who should be able to make a major impact. Running back James Robinson and wide receiver Laviska Shenault are both set to have big nights.
Robinson is coming off of an impressive performance against the Tennesee Titans where he carried the ball 16 times for 102 yards and a touchdown. Despite going undrafted, Robinson has had a fantastic start to his rookie season and could quickly become an important piece for the Jacksonville Jaguars going forward.
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This week, Robinson will take the majority of the Jags’ running back snaps against a Miami defense that has struggled mightily through two weeks. Not only is Miami the worst defense in the league through two weeks, according to DVOA, they also have the second-worst run defense. Their 164 yards allowed per game on the ground leaves plenty to be desired and Robinson should be able to take full advantage.
Shenault should take on an expanded role with Chark out
Robinson appears to be in for a big game, but he is not the only Jacksonville Jaguars rookie who will make an impact. With DJ Chark missing the game with chest and back injuries, rookie wide receiver Laviska Shenault should take on a larger role in the passing game.
The rookie has already been an important part of the offense, playing in 59-percent of the offensive snaps through two weeks. However, with Chark out, Shenault and Keelan Cole stand out as the top two passing-game weapons for the Jaguars.
Shenault is an impressive offensive playmaker who can impact the game in a variety of ways. He is quick and explosive with the ball in his hands, giving him a ton of upside as a run-after-catch receiver. He also gets some snaps as a weapon out of the backfield, raising his offensive upside even more.
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Miami’s defense leaves plenty to be desired and the Jags may be leaning on their rookies a bit more. Simply put, Robinson and Shenault are exciting offensive playmakers who are both set up for big games on Thursday night.