The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced tackle Eugene Monroe (concussion) will be out for Sunday’s game at New Meadowlands Stadium against the Giants.
Tight end Marcedes Lewis will probably have fewer chances to run routes as he will have to stay in more to help keep quarterback David Garrard upright. Jacksonville quarterbacks have been sacked 27 times this season. The Giants have 27 sacks.
The offense suffers when Lewis can’t get out.
Lewis has been especially effective as the lone tight end in three-wide formations this year.
With that personnel on the field, Lewis has 24 receptions on 36 targets with 265 yards and four touchdowns as opposed to 11 receptions, 180 yards and four TDs in all other sets. In three wide, as defenses account for the Jaguars’ additional speed, Lewis has operated well underneath, with 21 of his 23 catches coming on throws of 14 yards or less.
The loss of Monroe suggests the Jaguars won’t be able to spread the field as much as they might like against New York’s rush.
While Lewis should remain a reliable fantasy tight end, additional blocking will cut into his production.