Jaguars: 3 players that can’t take a step backward in 2021

The Jacksonville Jaguars must throw the ball to DJ Chark more often.

When it comes to quarterbacks, they sometimes get more praise than they deserve. Other times, they get unjustly criticized for their team’s struggles. However, the best ones can always elevate the play of their teammates and make everyone around them better. When was the last time you could say that about a signal-caller in Jacksonville?

The Jaguars’ need for a competent quarterback was evident last season. Even though they had an outstanding running back in James Robinson and a trio of solid wide receivers in DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Keelan Cole, the offense had trouble moving the ball and ranked 30th in points scored. This will change this season after taking Trevor Lawrence with the top pick in 2021’s draft.

The Jags are making sure the former Tiger has enough weapons on offense and are surrounding him with the best supporting cast he can get. Lawrence will have a number-one receiver in Chark, who had a down season in 2020 after making the Pro Bowl the year before. The 2018 second-round pick still played at a high level last year, it’s just that the team could get him the ball often.

With Lawrence now at the helm, Chark should cross the 1,000-yard receiving mark and earn his second Pro Bowl designation. The front office also signed Marvin Jones Jr. this offseason. The LSU product should see fewer double teams, as opposing defenses will have to also cover the former Detroit Lion. If the Jaguars want to kickstart their offense, they will need Chark to take a step forward.