Fact or Fiction – Circling the Wagons

Back in their second season, the Jaguars snuck into the playoffs and headed into Buffalo heavy underdogs against Jim Kelly and the Bills. All of sudden the 2012 version of Jaguars is starting to look like a lite-version of the 1996 team. A late season surge led by Chad Henne and his two weapons at receiver, Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III, have the Jaguars looking like a competent offense. With very few positives coming from the first half of the season, the final five games could provide some hope for next year.

Lose to the Jaguars? Time to retire. Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

Lose to the Jaguars? Time to retire.

Jason Babin will have sack: FACT

The Jaguars’ newest acquisition had more sacks last year (18) than the entire Jaguars defense has this year so far (13). Picking up Jason Babin is pretty out of character for Gene Smith, and even more troubling is that Khan is still giving Gene enough of a leash to make a move like this in a lost season. Regardless, Babin has the chance now to provide the pass rush the Jaguars have sorely missed all season. Despite being pretty one-dimensional, expect Babin to be on the field often and get plenty of opportunities in what should be a fairly high scoring game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will have 300+ yards: FICTION

The Jaguars pass defense is downright horrific, giving up almost 275 yards per game through the air. With plenty of weapons around him, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ryan Fitzpatrick light it up like he did during the preseason last year against the Jaguars. He won’t. With an improved pass rush and a secondary that is significantly better with Dwight Lowery, the Jags should be able to keep Fitzpatrick in check.

Nov 25, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Rashad Jennings (23) and quarterback Chad Henne (7) celebrate after Jennings scored a one-yard touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Rashad Jennings will have 100+ yards rushing: FACT

With Jalen Parmele going on injured reserve, Jennings is going to shoulder almost all of the load at running back this week. Although he’s only averaging 2.8 yards a carry so far, Jennings should break out this week against a Bills defense that gives up almost 150 yards on the ground.

Cecil Shorts will have a touchdown over 20 yards: FACT

Cecil Shorts is currently second in the NFL in yards per catch, averaging 20.8 yards per reception. He’s on pace to have over 1000 yards and is likely going to finish with the best receiving season for any Jaguar since Jimmy Smith retired. Expect at least one explosive play against a shaky Bills defense.

The Jaguars won’t retire the Bills quarterback this time around (sorry Jim Kelly) but they should push the Bills around a little bit and score some points.

Jaguars 27 – Bills 17

– Daniel Lago