Of all the lowly numbers attached to the Jaguars’ recent history that need an upgrade, there’s few things more aggravating than their inability to produce a 1,000-yard receiver. Not since Jimmy Smith barely cracked that milestone in 2005, reaching it in a final-game blowout of the Tennessee Titans, has any Jaguar achieved what is regarded as a minimum single-season standard for excellence at the position. Really, how hard can it be to average 62.5 yards per game for a 16-game season? It’s been done 190 times in the last nine years, but not by anyone in a Jaguars or Oakland Raiders uniform. Since the advent of NFL free agency in 1993, that represents the longest stretch for any team without a 1,000-yard receiver. Now some of it can certainly be attributed to the Jaguars’ mediocrity at quarterback, though David Garrard had some decent moments in 2007 and 2010. But the larger culprit has been too many suspect targets. None of the receivers after Smith and Keenan McCardell departed were consistent or healthy enough to reach 1,000. If the Jaguars want to be relevant again, it’d help immensely if second-year receivers Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns or Marqise Lee emerged into a true weapon. Many suspect Robinson is ready to take that next step, but remember, quarterbacks make the receiver more than the other way around. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tony Romo have combined to produce 51 of the 190 1,000-yard receivers since 2006. It’s also no coincidence that Smith and McCardell had their gaudiest numbers when Mark Brunell, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, was throwing to them. Some receivers are so extraordinarily talented, like Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson, they can practically sleepwalk their way to 1,000 yards. Most need at least an above-average quarterback who is accurate and can consistently extend drives. The Jaguars have been empty in that department for too long. Playmakers and an effective quarterback are usually a package deal. Once the Jaguars’ Blake Bortles can approach living up to his top-5 draft pick status, this streak without a 1,000-yard receiver will go away. - See more at: http://jacksonville.com/sports/colu...um=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: jacksonville/ksHE
