There wasn’t much celebrating for the Jaguars today.  Source: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars continue their better performances against better teams…while still falling short.  I thought the point of frustration with this team was past and I was wallowing in a numb dissatisfaction with the franchise’s product this year, but then they make a game against the New England Patriots competitive and I get all caught up and raise my expectations yet again.

Only to be let down.

Again.

The Jaguars defense performed admirably in a close loss on Sunday.  The defense held the league’s best offense (36 points per game) to just 23 points and forced two interceptions from Tom Brady.  But, in regular Jaguar fashion, the offense let the defense down and stalled at only 16 points.  Josh Scobee was three of four, adding to one Chad Henne touchdown pass in the first quarter.  Jacksonville was tied with New England heading into the half but couldn’t keep pace in the third and fourth quarters.  A pace of only 10 more points in 30 minutes of football.  The Jags added just a field goal.

Henne was the most disappointing aspect of the game for the Jaguars.  We already knew he probably wasn’t the man to put this team on his shoulders and carry them, but, even when given a shot to succeed by a usually poor defense, he let the team down this week.  Two interceptions in scoring position is a rough way to go down.

The Patriots offense was nowhere near as efficient as it has been in the past.  Brady’s four interceptions over the past two games are just one shy from his total (5) from the first 13 games of the season.  He got it done, though, and managed two interceptions to finish 24 of 41 for 267 yards with the two picks and touchdowns.  Wes Welker was the big receiver of the day with 10 receptions for 88 yards and one score.  Despite decent production from Stevan Ridley (84 yards on 18 carries), the Patriots didn’t have the same offensive power that was expected coming into the game.  The Jags were able to get pressure on Brady (three sacks) and disrupt plays well.

In the end the Patriots add another “W” heading toward the playoffs and the Jags lose another close one.  It’s been said before that the measure of a great team is winning the close games.  The difference between the Jags and the great teams was highlighted in Jacksonville this week.

- Luke N. Sims

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Blaine Gabbert target Mike Thomas (80)

The wide receiver position was the biggest hole going into last season, so it’s no wonder why it received the spot light this offseason and preseason. Laurent Robinson was signed this offseason, a free agent coming off career highs from the Dallas Cowboys; and Justin Blackmon was drafted fifth overall, as the only two time Fred Biletnikoff award winner for best receiver in College football. Now while these two are locks for receiver going into this season, the rest of of the roster all had something to prove going into the regular season.

Mike Thomas Thomas has the best chance of seeing the most snaps this regular season. While he had a significant drop off from his extension last season, it feels like theres a different Mike Thomas on the field this year, the Thomas the team needed last year. He leads the team in receptions as well as yards, which is a good sign that he can provide Gabbert a good target to get first downs and a few burns this season. While the Jaguars plan on moving around the receivers to provide mismatches, it’s very likely that Thomas will line up in the slot where his size and speed can be used more effectively.

Brian Robiskie Robiskie is a player who has proven some worth this preseason as well catching twelve balls for 137 yards and a touchdown. However, some of those grabs have been against the reserves. It should not be overlooked completely since the preseason is to get a look at who can be productive. His best play came on a tough grab on a slant route, which ended up with a two yard touchdown. I feel like Robiskie will make the team, but as far as time on the field, he may end up as the fourth or fifth receiver on the depth chart.

Cecil Shorts III Shorts seems a bit of a disappointment even if he is a fourth round pick. His mental errors of causing fumbles in preseason games, two this year and one last year, worries me if he gets more playing time. Shorts is currently living off the name Pierre Garcon who attended the same college,Mount Union. He did break Garcons records, but his play has yet to translate on the professional field. While I consider him a project player, this may be his last year to prove his worth or get the boot like numerous receivers before him who never panned out. Consider him fifth on the depth chart who make take Robiskie’s spot at fourth if he can live up anywhere near his hype and stay fumble free, especially if he sees time as a returner.

Will Elliot make the Bubble? I think so

Kevin Elliot The last receiver who should make the opening day roster is Kevin Elliott. The Jaguars should go with six receivers this season considering the woes of seasons past, they need all the help they can get. Elliot is 6’3” and 215 pounds, whats not to like there. As far as production, he has made good use of running with the reserves, acquiring two touchdowns on three receptions for 96 yards. The last reception was against Atlanta which went for 77 yards. With his size and stat line he should latch onto the last slot, but will have to prove he is worth that spot this season because living off the bubble is not worth making a career out of.

Mike Brown The only words I heard of of camp was the comparison of Brown to Wes Welker, by receivers coach Jerry Sullivan. While this is encouraging buzz, this buzz was has also been generated to receivers like Julian Edelman of the Patriots. I understand creating buzz for players who impress you, but comparing one under sized quick receiver to another isn’t always the greatest, especially when they turn that receiver into a defensive back. I would rather have the first Mike Brown then the next Wes Welker, but it looks like Brown won’t make the cut after impressing Sullivan this offseason. With a good word he could be a surprise opening day player, but I think he’s better suited as a practice squad player to build his game up.

Demetrius Williams um….cut?

- Antonio Furgiuele

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prepares to catch a pass before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders. Source: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

The fantasy football season is almost underway and wives across the country are already getting sick of constant fantasy football chatter.  Some teams have drafted, while others still have yet to draft.  To help you this fantasy football season, here are my complete wide receiver rankings for the upcoming season:

1. Calvin Johnson, DET – “Megatron” has completely transformed the wide receiver position in fantasy football.  Johnson’s 15-touchdown performance was utterly dominating from the wide receiver position.   Johnson has become the ultimate red-zone receiver, due to his combination of raw speed and size (6-5 236).  The Lions are completely dedicated to throwing to Johnson 20 times a game, something that fantasy owners always like to see.  Johnson may not repeat his 15 touchdowns and nearly 1,700-yard performance from 2011, but he will still be the top wideout in all of fantasy in 2012.

2. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the game at catching the ball at its highest point, as he seemingly snatches the ball out of the air.  Fitzgerald is averaging a very impressive 9.13 touchdowns per season throughout his career, but was obviously at his best with future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner throwing him the ball.  He has very long arms and could be the perfect red-zone target, but only if the Cardinals can figure out who will be throwing him the ball.   Fitzgerald is still an elite receiver and a bonafide number one fantasy option, but he could be so much better with a capable NFL quarterback.  Expect around 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns from “Fitz” in 2011, but the potential is there for so much more.

3.  Wes Welker, NE – Welker has become the poster child for 100-plus-reception seasons over the last couple years.  Over his last five seasons, Welker has averaged 1,051 yards and a league-leading 110.8 receptions per season.  He is the ultimate weapon out of the slot and quarterback Tom Brady has complete faith in Welker, even if Brady’s supermodel wife does not agree.  Welker knows how to read a defense and is perfect at finding a spot to sit in the zone.  Welker is an amazing number one wideout, because he continues to do it year after year.

4. Andre Johnson, HOU – Johnson is not the guaranteed top-tier fantasy receiver that he was a couple seasons ago.  He has missed 12 games over the last two years and is still not 100% healthy following lingering hamstring injuries.  However, when healthy, Johnson is hands down one of the best in the game.  He can rack up yardage in bunches, evident by his 79.15 yards per game through his career.   Johnson may not be the guaranteed number one wideout, but he is still an elite receiving option.  He will likely fall into the second round this year, but if he remains healthy he could be the steal of the middle rounds.

5. Roddy White, ATL – White is the most underrated wide receiver every fantasy season, which is ironic because all he does is fill the stat sheet.  White has hauled in 215 passes for an insane 2,685 passes over his last two seasons, including at least 83 receptions and 1,200 yards for the last five seasons.  He is as consistent as it gets from the receiver position and has not missed a game in his entire seven-year career.

6. Greg Jennings, GB – With Jordy Nelson hauling in a ridiculous 15 touchdowns in 2011, Jennings is being somewhat disregarded in the first couple rounds this fantasy season.  However, Jennings is the number one option for MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and with that title, comes more red-zone looks then a wide receiver can handle.   Jennings’ 2011 season was cut short by a torn MCL, and he has had some concussion problems this off-season, but the fact remains that Jennings is one of the elite receivers in the entire game.

7.  Julio Jones, ATL – Jones has more pre-season hype than any other player in the entire league, as he has completely skyrocketed up the draft board this off-season.  Jones is a very physical wide out downfield, and combines it with the speed to outrun most corners in the game.   However, the youngster is still the number two option on the team and is a little raw in his route running.  With that being said, Jones is the next elite receiver, but fantasy fans have to realize that Jones still has a couple things to work on before he is in the same league as Calvin Johnson.  He will be a great wideout in 2012 and will easily have a career season, but do not let his hype cause him to be drafted ahead of the aforementioned “Megatron” and Jennings.

8. Dez Bryant, DAL – Bryant may be a bit of a headache for fantasy owners just as much as owner Jerry Jones.  However, the Cowboys’ receiver is a true star in the making.  The 23-year old has improved in each season and his 9 touchdown receptions last season was tied for ninth best in the NFL.  Bryant is back from his knee tendonitis issues and will be quarterback Tony Romo’s main red-zone target with tight end Jason Witten still recovering from a spleen issue.

9. A. J. Green, CIN – Green is one of the best up and coming wideouts in the game.  He went over 1,000 yards in his freshman season and was able to haul in a very respectable 7 touchdowns.  Green has built a strong rapport with quarterback Andy Dalton from day one and their chemistry together will only help Green post bigger fantasy numbers as they mature together. Green is easily a number one wideout, and fantasy owners should expect him to easily match his numbers from last season.

10. Brandon Marshall, CHI - Marshall is finally reunited with his favorite quarterback, Jay Cutler.  The duo played together in Denver in 2007-08, and averaged an amazing 1,295 receiving yards per season.  Expect Marshall to have another Pro Bowl season in 2012, as he already has a proven track record with his new quarterback.

Just Missed: Hakeem Nicks (NYG), Marques Colston (NO), and Mike Wallace (PIT)

Predictions:

MVP: Calvin Johnson, DET

Rookie of Year: Justin Blackmon, JAC

Bust: Steve Smith, CAR

Mega Bust: Brandon Lloyd, NE

Sleeper: DeMaryius Thomas, DEN

Super Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK

Fantasy Over/ Under:

Calvin Johnson TD: 15 – Under

Wes Welker Rec.: 100 – Over

Kenny Britt Suspensions: 2 – Over

Andre Johnson Games Played: 12 – Over

Terrell Owens Personal Workouts: 1 – Over