The Jacksonville Jaguars have been starved for a legitimate wide receiver since Jimmy Smith retired years ago. The team has gone through multiple first-round picks, some free agents, and late round picks and haven't found an answer. The team thought they had solutions in Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas, but both players weren't able to follow up promising seasons.
Cecil Shorts however has become the Jaguars big play receiver in the 2012 season, working his way into the starting lineup with Laurent Robinson dealing with concussions. On the season, Shorts has 20 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Jaguars in each of those categories for the year.
"He is doing a great job," Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert said after the game. "He has the ability to stretch the field and make plays. He did a great job today along with our other receivers."
Shorts was making his second consecutive start, filling in for an inactive Robinson, but once again made the most of his chances on the field. Shorts ended the day with eight receptions for 116 yards, a career day. On the season, Shorts has seven receptions of 20+ yards and continuously seems to show the ability to get open down the field.
"Every week you want to be the player to make plays," Shorts said after the loss to the Packers. "This was only my second start, and I had an opportunity today and I took advantage of it."