Jaguars: 5 players other than James Robinson that must shine in Week 8

Jaguars player that must shine vs. Seahawks No. 3 – WR Laviska Shenault

Second-year wide receiver Laviska Shenault has been solid this season, hauling in 26 receptions or 306 yards. He should have no trouble setting career highs in both catches and yards. However, more was expected from a player who was thought to be a breakout candidate in 2021.

Jamal Agnew, and not Shenault, is solidifying his spot as the team’s number two wide receiver opposite Marvin Jones Jr. Viska hasn’t been able to capitalize on the absence of DJ Chark Jr., who is out for the reminder on the year.

Having said that, Shenault could turn it on at any time. He isn’t lacking talent and has previously shown he can be a difference-maker. The 2020 second-round pick has a penchant for creating yards after the catch due to his physicality but he can also get deep, logging receptions of 50-plus yards in back-to-back games earlier this year.

Shenault has the potential to become a solid target in the Jaguars’ passing game. However, two things need to happen. The coaching staff must put him in a favorable position to make plays and he needs to increase his 66.7 percentage of targets caught. The Jaguars’ offense has a favorable matchup against a Seahawks defense that ranks 27th in both passing yards and passing touchdowns allowed.

Simply, Seattle doesn’t have enough cornerbacks to cover the wide receiver trio of Jones, Agnew, and Shenault. If Viska can make one or two big plays in Week 8, the Jaguars’ chances of earning their second win of the year will increase.