Jacksonville Jaguars: Week 5 stock up

Aug 8, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith (50) gestures during the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Telvin Smith, linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars

Telvin Smith is a quality, rangy linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, he isn’t always in great position and doesn’t always rock the stat sheet.

In the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith really stepped up. Without middle linebacker Paul Posluszny on the field for the game and the defensive line being bullied by the Bucs’ offensive line, the linebackers needed to step up. Only Smith really did.

Leading the Jaguars in tackles for the game with 14 and one tackle for a loss, Smith seemed to do everything in his power to help the Jaguars defense regain its form in this contest. He wasn’t always in perfect position and had at least one missed tackle of his own, but he was flying all over the field trying to limit plays.

Pro Football Focus was not particularly fond of his performance and is currently their worst-graded 4-3 outside linebacker for the week, but they credited him with five defensive stops (tops in the week). He valiantly tried to keep the defense together in this one.

Next: An honorable mention