Jacksonville Jaguars: Studs and duds from disastrous loss vs Bengals

These 3 players gave the Jacksonville Jaguars a fighting chance in Week 4.

1. Laviska Shenault, wide receiver.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is facing a learning curve. Thus, it’s it isn’t surprising that the Jaguars’ passing game has been somewhat inconsistent this season. Against the Bengals, the rookie passer showed growth and often targeted second-year wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who finished the game with a season-high six receptions for 99 yards.

Viska broke tackles and often gained yards after contact on Thursday Night Football. He also showed the ability to catch passes downfield, hauling in a 52-yard reception. Moving forward, the Jaguars need to get Shenault more involved in the offense.

2. James Robinson, running back. 

After getting just 16 carries in the first two games of the 2021 season, running back James Robinson has seen his workload increase considerably in the last two weeks. Against the Cardinals, he ran the ball 15 times and toted the rock a season-high 18 times in Week 4. The former Illinois State Redbird finished the game with 78 rushing yards and two trips to the end zone.

Moreover, Robinson averaged 4.3 yards per carry even though Cincy’s defense was allowing just 3.3 yards ahead of the game. Hopefully, the Jags won’t stop giving the second-year running back the ball.

3. Dan Arnold, tight end.

Head coach Urban Meyer said that newly acquired tight end Dan Arnold would play Thursday even though he joined the team Monday. In the end, he played just 18 offensive snaps but he made them all count, hauling in two receptions for 29 yards. He’s arguably the team’s best pass-catching tight end, so his usage will likely go up in the following weeks with veteran James O’Shaugnessy out with an ankle injury.

The Jags will have a long week after playing on Thursday. This will give Arnold the opportunity to keep getting acclimated in Jacksonville.