The Jacksonville Jaguars are 4-6 heading into Thanksgiving and while that record isn't pretty, the team is as relevant as it's been in nearly a decade.
The AFC South is a three-team race and the Jaguars are in that contest. Being in that quest for the division means that the Jacksonville squad has something to play for down the stretch.
For Jaguars fans, especially season-ticket holders, that's a blessing that hasn't been afforded to them in recent memory.
Along with the team's division contention, there are several reasons to be thankful if you're a Jaguars fan.
1. The Allens
Believe it or not, Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson are the top wide receiver duo in the league right now. Combined, they've produced 94 catches for 1,567 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 10 games. Both are on pace to secure more than 1,000 receiving yards this season and could each haul-in 10 touchdowns or more. It's a far cry from the days of Mike Thomas and Kevin Elliott.
2. Every-down back
While the Jaguars have failed to use him consistently in the redzone, rookie running back T.J. Yeldon has become a big part of the Jacksonville offense. While he only has two touchdowns on the season, his 738 all-purpose yards rank second on the entire team. He's proven that he can handle the load as a wide receiver and has been able to play every down with success. He needs to get his 4 yards per carry number up, but other than that, he's been huge for the balance of this offensive attack.
3. Return of turnovers and sacks
Finally! In their last four games, the Jaguars are 3-1, which is partially due to the 8 turnovers and 11 sacks caused in those games. The secondary has improved and the defensive line has been able to finish on sacks. Cornerback Aaron Colvin currently leads the team in sacks with four and Davon House is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
4. Easy remaining schedule
The remaining slate of six games features two two-win teams and three contests against struggling AFC South rivals. If the Jaguars can go 4-2 during that stretch, they'll be 8-8 and have a realistic shot at a division title and a home playoff game. The Jaguars haven't won the AFC South since joining the division in 2002 and this is one of the best opportunities they've had to do so in years.
5. Bortles' emergence
We had to save the best for last. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has been developing at a desirable pace in most respects this season. His ability to lead the Jaguars on four game-winning drives has been huge for the team's new-found success. He's also been a scoring machine that has been able to make the most of targets like Robinson, Hurns and Bryan Walters. He's thrown 20 touchdowns in 10 games, spreading the ball around to several different weapons.
While he needs to have a better completion percentage and be safer with the ball, those developments should come with time. Bortles has all the attributes of a "franchise quarterback" and it seems he's poised for that title in the long-term.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.
