For wide receiver Christian Kirk, reaching the milestone of 1,000 receiving yards really means a lot.
Kirk, who left the Arizona Cardinals during the offseason to sign a four-year, $72 million deal with Jacksonville, is making sure the Jaguars get their money’s worth.
In 15 games, Kirk tallied a career-high 988 yards. That’s 6 more yards for him than his career-high so far in 2021.
His seven touchdowns are also a career-high, and with 76 receptions, he’s just one behind a career-high tie.
But what he really wants is 12 yards from reaching 1,000.
Kirk said as the Jaguars headed into Game 16 against the Houston Texans on Sunday, “I know people can take it a little too lightly, especially in Game 17 or something like that, but for me it’s a big deal.” It’s a big deal for any wide receiver.It’s not just about waking up and getting 1,000 yards.It’s hard to play in this league.For me, it’s always been a milestone I’ve always wanted to achieve, so definitely It’s a big deal.”
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It didn’t take long for Kirk to get used to the Jaguars’ offense and second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Washington In his first game as a Jug against his commander, Kirk caught six passes for his 117 yards.
If he reaches 1,000 receiving yards, Kirk will be just the sixth receiver in Jaguar history to do so in a single season.
The last player to achieve this feat was DJ Chark in 2019. Other players include Jimmy Smith, Kenan McCardell, Allen Harnes and Allen Robinson.
Lawrence is also fully on board to make him achieve it.
“What does he need? Twelve yards?
“We are having a lot of fun”
Jacksonville’s offense has been one of the most dynamic in the league this year. The Jaguars currently rank as his sixth offense in the NFL with 367.7 yards per game. Much of that success comes from a passing game of 239.2 yards per game.
The team’s EPA (expected points added) per dropback currently ranks third in the league at 0.224 from Week 9.
A lot of that comes from how Jacksonville leverages its skill players. The new system gives them all a chance to succeed.
Two other rookies on the Jaguars’ offense — tight end Evan Engram and receiver Zay Jones — have each recorded 700-plus receiving yards in their first years with the team.
They’re all on pace to break individual career highs in every major reception category.
“We give everyone different opportunities to line up in different positions and do different things in block games, run games and pass games, and have a lot of fun just with the dynamic ability to be schematic. Kirk. “So I can play on the inside, on the outside, show movement, get the ball handed to me. You can’t classify anyone in this offense. I think that’s the fun part of playing.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Kirk has lined up 601 times in slots, 270 times in outs and 14 times in the backfield. He has also played multiple positions and roles in all three of these formations of his.
Before signing with Jacksonville, Kirk looked at what Pederson had done in the past and where he came from. I come from the lead coaching tree. Pederson has been successful and has had many successful attacks.
“I did some research, but [I] I also knew and trusted their ability to use all the talents we have in this attack to allow everyone to work together as a cohesive group. ”
Kirk said the offense is already expanding as the season progresses from training camp.
This was not always the case in Jacksonville’s early days. The attack took some time to get used to. At first, Zay Jones admitted that it was a little difficult to get used to the fact that the offense could change from week to week in terms of who could succeed.
But as the season progresses, he, he and other offensive players are getting it and seeing the results, Jones said Wednesday.
“This was the most fun part, because it’s kind of like a pendulum swing in a way… it’s not chaotic, but the momentum can always swing in anyone’s direction,” Jones said. “Everyone can have a truly unique day, and I think that’s what makes it so special to be a part of it.”
‘Kirk defines what it means to be a professional’
Kirk’s achievements in the field are well documented. But what became clear as the season progressed was how infectious the work ethic and drive of the players the Jaguars acquired this year was. Kirk probably tops that list.
“I think Christian Kirk has a very contagious work ethic,” Jones said. “When it started at the OTA, I noticed in his approach to working out. About, how methodical he is is brought into the season.. So I think he defines what it means to be a professional.”
Kirk’s importance off the field, especially for Lawrence, cannot be overstated.
Kirk was one of the skill position players that Lawrence went to the Bahamas for a bonding trip before the season.
“He goes about things the right way,” Lawrence said. “He handles his own business. He’s a professional. Especially as a quarterback, he’s a guy you don’t have to worry about.”
Kirk Wins Good Guy Award
On Wednesday, Kirk was named the 2022 recipient of the annual Good Guy Awards presented by the Professional Football Writers’ Association (PFWA) Jacksonville Chapter. This award is given each year to players who are usually available in good and bad times, are easy to deal with, and provide good insight, sound bites and quotes.
Kirk humbly accepted the award Wednesday after being presented with a plaque by ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, vice president of the PFWA Jacksonville chapter.
Kirk is a great companion.
Past Good Guy Award Winners:
- 2013: Paul Obidient
- 2014: Cecil Shorts
- 2015: Allen Harnes
- 2016: Blake Bortles
- 2017: Curry Campbell
- 2018: Curry Campbell
- 2019: Curry Campbell
- 2020: Doug Malone
- 2021: Trevor Lawrence
Demetrius Harvey is a Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter. @Demetrius82.