Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets: Three keys for a victory in week four
By Billy Long
Keep Marcedes Lewis in the game plan
In an offense with an abundance of young players, Marcedes Lewis had become sort of an afterthought in terms of playmakers. In an era where tight ends are considered more of an asset as a pass catcher, Lewis hasn’t been used often as a receiver, although he has been severely underappreciated as a blocker and pass protector.
On Sunday, however, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett made the decision to implement the 12th year tight end into the game plan as a receiving threat. That decision paid dividends, and Lewis had a career day.
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Marcedes Lewis pulled in four receptions, three of which went for touchdowns. The 6’6″ tight end basically lived in the endzone and was a nightmare matchup for the Ravens. Against the Jets, Jacksonville should use the ol’ “…until they show they can stop it” adage and keep Lewis an intricate part of the offense.
The Jets’ attention on defense will rightfully be on shutting down Leonard Fournette and the running game, and on guys like Allen Hurns and Marquise Lee out wide. With that attention, the Jaguars should let Lewis find the open zones and exploit the Jets defense, and continue to be a terror in the red zone.
A big target is one of a quarterback’s best friends, and the Jaguars should continue to let Marcedes Lewis be a go-to guy for Blake Bortles Sunday against the Jets.