Fact or Fiction – The Glory of the Henne Era

Finally!

Ok, nobody’s really too excited about the last 6 games of this merciless season, especially with Chad Henne at the helm. Sure he threw for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Texans defense, but what good does that do the Jaguars? The season is already over and the likelihood that Chad Henne is the long term answer at quarterback is miniscule.

Thank you SBNation.com, for this glorious gif.

Thank you SBNation.com, for this glorious gif.

Nonetheless, Jaguar fans actually had something to cheer for last week. If Henne can make the team look competitive down the stretch and allow some of the younger players to showcase their ability, then there are plenty of reasons to watch. Even this week against the Titans.

November 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) attempts to catch a pass during the first quarter as Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) defends at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Justin Blackmon will have 100+yards receiving: FACT

Justin Blackmon finally had his breakout game last week (boy did he ever) and he should have plenty of chances to stay hot against a Titans defense that ranks 26th in pass defense. A big difference between Henne and Gabbert is that Henne is willing to make some risky throws and let his receivers make a play. Blackmon did that a few times last week and had a ton of yards after the catch. Blackmon and Cecil Shorts have a chance to cement themselves as a one-two punch at the receiver position for a long time.

Chris Johnson will have 100+ yards rushing: FICTION

Jacksonville did a good job holding Arian Foster to 90 yards last week and has been good in spurts against the run recently. The defense is giving up almost 140 yards on the ground a game, but I expect them to sellout against the run this week to prevent a big play from Chris Johnson. The defense is going to need a good effort from Austen Lane and Jeremy Mincey, since Johnson has been on a tear for the last few weeks.

Chad Henne will have over 300+ yards passing: FICTION

As I indicated earlier, Henne got away with a lot of throws last week. He also started cooling off down the stretch, finishing only 16 of 33 with a 48.5% completion percentage. The Titans aren’t quite the offensive machine the Texans are, so Henne won’t need to drop back and sling it so much. Unless Jalen Parmele and the rushing offense is completely ineffective, don’t expect Henne to throw it as much as he did last week.

Rashad Jennings has been a disappointment the entire regular season. Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Rashad Jennings has been a disappointment the entire regular season.

Even with a slight improvement at the quarterback position, the Jaguars seem overmatched. Regardless, the Jaguars only have a few more chances to try to get a win at home and this might be their best opportunity. Expect a close game that’ll come down to the last drive, and hopefully a Scobee field goal.

Jaguars 20 – Titans 17

– Daniel Lago