| Jags WR Cecil Shorts had a knack for big plays in 2012. That earns him RapidReports offensive MVP honors. (US Presswire) |
It can be hard to find the bright spots after a 2-14 season. The Jaguars certainly had their share of disappointments, but these fours players stood out even as the losses continued to pile up for Jacksonville.
Offense -- WR Cecil Shorts: The second-year pro had a breakout year in 2012 with 55 receptions for 979 yards (17.8 ypc) and seven TDs. He saved his best performances for when the Jags needed them the most. His 39-yard TD reception against the Vikings in Week 1 helped send that game to overtime. His 80-yard catch and run for a TD in the final minute against the Colts in Week 3 clinched the upset win.
Defense -- LB Paul Posluszny: In a season marked with inconsistency and injuries for the Jags' D, Posluszny showed up each week and kept plugging. He finished the year tied for eighth in the NFL with 139 tackles. He also had a knack for creating big plays as evidenced by his three INTs, two forced fumbles and seven pass deflections.
Special teams -- P Bryan Anger: The Jaguars took some heat for drafting a punter in the third round of the 2012 draft, but Anger certainly showed why the Jags were so high on him. He was seventh in the league in net punting average (40.8 yards) and was among the league leaders in punts downed inside the 20 and punts that were fair caught. The Jags just wish they didn't have to use him so much.
Newcomer -- WR Justin Blackmon: The first-round pick got off to a slow start after a holdout in training camp. He only recorded six receptions one time through the first nine games before exploding for seven receptions for 236 yards and a TD against the Texans on Nov. 18. He then caught at least five passes in five of the last six games to total 64 receptions for 865 yards and five TDs for the year.
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