Marcedes Lewis

Marcedes Lewis Is Key To The Jacksonville Jaguars' Future Success

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Since the 2006 NFL season, Marcedes Lewis has been a steady contributor and should have a bigger role in the Jacksonville Jaguar offense.

Marcedes Lewis is no longer the marquee tight end on the Jacksonville Jaguar roster. Many wondered, with the signing of Julius Thomas last season, if that was the proverbial handwriting on the wall? Still, he can be utilized as a key situational offensive weapon.

Lewis has good career receiving statistics but is a big contributor when he is on the field. But he has seen his role diminished in the Head Coach Gus Bradley tenure. Do you realize what he has done this season?

Week one against Green Bay, the TE screen pass to Lewis went for 37 yards. In week two against San Diego, he had a touchdown on the same screen play. Then in week three against Baltimore, he had three receptions for twenty yards. Lewis’ 2016 season stats seven receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.

So what value does Lewis bring to the Jaguar offense?

Each week receivers across the NFL catch passes. Which catch is more valuable than the others? The football sabermetric guys at footballoutsider.com rank such statistics. Where do they rank Mercedes Lewis? There are two distinct ratings DYAR and DVOA, Lewis is #7 and #1 respectively. He has an 88% catch rate; meaning – expand his role in the offense.

How do you expand his role?

Jacksonville routinely splits three receivers to one side with wide receivers set on the inside slots. Jaguar offensive coordinator Greg Olson could split one of the Allens, Julius Thomas, and Lewis wide in a trips set or integrate Lewis into a four (quads) set. Remember when the Patriots used Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez to create match up problems for defenses?

The Jaguars could transition Lewis into that missing fullback they are lacking on the roster. Not as the H-back that now dominates football offenses in today’s game. The traditional fullback is where he could blossom, especially at 6’6 and 280 pounds. Imagine that as a lead blocker or flat receiver!

Mercedes Lewis is a valuable tool for the offense. The time is now to expand Lewis’ role.