The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has struggled to perform at a premium level for an extended period of time this season. The unit will either start off strong and come out flat after halftime or just fail to sustain any success at all. Part of that is on the offense's youth and part of it is that the coaching staff seems to get away from what makes the unit successful.
Looking at the Jaguars roster and listening to the team's messaging in press conferences, you'd think the team would want to stick to the run game. However, rookie running back T.J. Yeldon has gone long stretches without receiving carries, which has caused the offense to become one-dimensional.
That said, Yeldon could be a serious threat against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that has struggled mightily against the run this season.
As a decoy
Yeldon is coming off his first 100-yard game in the loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Part of his effectiveness against Indianapolis was not based on his stats, but his ability to take on the attention of the defense. Quarterback Blake Bortles was able to launch several passes downfield with success as he and Yeldon sold play fakes. The play action worked to perfection as Bortles connected on back-to-back big gains to Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson in the first quarter with the use of the fake.
Yeldon is clearly a rookie but defenses are definitely planning for him. He and Bortles have sold the fake well and since the Buccaneers have struggled against the run, Tampa Bay may focus more on that area of the Jaguars offense.
As a receiver
The Buccaneers defense has given up 12 catches for 74 receiving yards (6.1 YPC) and a touchdown to opposing running backs in the first four weeks of the season. While Tampa Bay has been strong against the pass (the Denver Broncos are the only team that has that allowed less passing yardage), they have allowed teams to use the short-passing game to pickup first downs and much-needed yardage.
Yeldon has been featured as a receiver in every game this season, collecting at least two catches in each of the four contests. Through four games, Yeldon has 10 catches for 42 receiving yards and is averaging 2.5 catches per game. If the Buccaneers shut down the Jaguars receivers downfield, Yeldon could be an interesting backup option for Bortles to pick up extra yards.
As a running back
The Buccaneers have allowed the third-most rushing yards in the league so far this season. Teams are averaging 136.8 yards per game, primarily because those squads have used running backs to close out games. While Tampa Bay hasn't given up many big runs (20 yards being the largest gain), they have allowed backs to reach the endzone. The Buccaneers have allowed four rushing touchdowns and a league-high 33 first downs on the ground.
Yeldon has averaged 3.7 yards per carry but has had a lot of success running to the middle and right of his offensive line. If he can use his north-south prowess to pickup big chunks, the Jaguars will be able to sell the play fake and move the ball without putting tons of pressure on their quarterback.
On Sunday against the Colts, Yeldon finally looked comfortable running the ball on an NFL field and picked up a massive 36-yard gain in overtime. If he can progress against the Buccaneers, he will make life easier for his offensive line, his quarterback and his offensive coordinator, Greg Olson.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.
