Target Practice, Week 11: In which Justin Blackmon breaks out
It hardly seems possible that Chad Henne could be the key to unlocking anyone's fantasy value, but perhaps that's the case with Justin Blackmon. The Jaguars rookie receiver hauled in seven balls for 236 yards on Sunday against Houston, with Henne directing Jacksonville's offense for all but five snaps. Blackmon nearly doubled his full-season yardage total, from 250 to 486. His 13 targets were a season-high.
For at least a week, he looked just like the Oklahoma State version of Justin Blackmon, the guy who won back-to-back Biletnikoff awards and found the end zone 38 times over two seasons.
So what's next for JB?
Well, he gets at least one more week of Henne. I'm still trying to get comfortable with the idea that this is desirable, but it seems to be the case.
Jacksonville's upcoming match-up against Tennessee isn't too intimidating — the Titans defense ranks 26th in the league versus the pass (266.2 YPG, 20 TDs) — and the following week's trip to Buffalo isn't so scary, either. There's a clear opportunity for Henne, Blackmon and Cecil Shorts to string together a series of useful games.
If Blackmon continues to see significant target totals (and those targets are actually catchable), then Sunday's binge against the Texans won't be his last big day. He's only 27 percent owned at the moment, and he's on the approved list. Do the do.
(Programming note: No bullets this week, but you'll find the usual target table below, along with a charming holiday video. Please enjoy responsibly).
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