Full Jacksonville Jaguars Midseason Awards

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made it to the ninth week and nearly the eighth game of the season this week, and it's fair to say that the journey to this point has been a multitude of feelings, both good and bad.

The Jaguars beat two opponents that, coming into the season, most thought would be two of the more difficult opponents in the first half of the season. However, they've thrown away games against equal competition and that has left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of the Jaguars' community.

But with nine games left in the season and a weak division, the Jaguars' poor record doesn't mean all that much. The AFC South could be won with six, maybe seven wins, and the Jaguars have a chance to get to that point.

There is reason for optimism, and part of it is thanks to some of the players mentioned in these awards. Not everyone is getting a positive grade, but standouts like wide receiver Allen Robinson and linebacker Telvin Smith are just a couple of important players this season.

Most Impressive Rookie: T.J. Yeldon

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Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon has had to deal with the recognition and raised expectations of being a feature back drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, but the season-ending injury of first-round selection defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. has taken those standards even higher.

Yeldon has rolled with the pitches well, and his 406 yards, 4.0 yards per carry and two total touchdowns have been a solid start to his rookie season. Considering offensive line struggles and varying playcalling from offensive coordinator Greg Olson, these numbers are even better with context.

He's only improved throughout the season, and that culminated in his stellar performance against the Buffalo Bills. Notching another 100-yard game and earning his first NFL rushing TD was a big step forward, and it's appears that the Alabama-product is only just getting started.

Most Impressive Free-Agent Signing: Davon House

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Corner Davon House was a supplementary tool at times for the Green Bay Packers, but it was apparent that he had the ability to play as a starter. The Jaguars recognized this, and he proved the talent suspicion was indeed correct. 

House has 20 solo tackles, 11 passes defended and has earned at least one PD in each of the last five games. The Jaguars have been short on corners for a while now, but House was an addition that obviously illustrates the Jaguars are taking a step in the right direction.

Jacksonville's confusing decision to bench him for the Bills game, as covered by BigCatCountry.com and tweeted by the Florida Times-Union's Vito Stellino, threw most of the fanbase for a loop, but considering CB Dwayne Gratz's struggles, House should be on his way back to a starting job.

House has had to carry a lot of weight this season, and he's done a fantastic job considering what's asked of him. With just over a half-season left, it'll be interesting to see what House can accomplish.

Biggest Underacheiver: Chris Clemons

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DE Chris Clemons opened the season with a sack, a blocked kick and a pass defended against the Carolina Panthers, and it looked like he wasn't going to take a break from his impressive 2014 season. However, he has not been able to live up to his impressive start.

Since the first game, Clemons has totaled five solo tackles, no sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. While the forced fumble and defensive TD were steps in the right direction, his job is to get to the quarterback, and he simply hasn't done that.

Clemons missed a large amount of the season, which was fine, but it may be factoring in at the moment. Some of his time missed apparently wasn't his fault and was due to personal issues, but all the time missed has seemed to taken some of the explosiveness out of him.

There's time for Clemons to get back to his 2014 success, but it's safe to say 2015 hasn't seen the same Clemons we saw last season.

Most Improved: Blake Bortles

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The "most improved" award is sometimes looked at with a bit of cynicism, but in this case, it's apparent and important. Quarterback Blake Bortles' sophomore season has seen him take a jump in maturity, skill and leadership.

Coming into the season, Bortles was thought to be a QB the Jaguars would have to adjust to and cater to. That's fine, especially for a young QB, but instead of Bortles being a possible liability, he has become an all-important member of the offense for the 2015 season. 

Bortles is on track for 4,141 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, 333 rushing yards and a 82.5 QB rating. All of those are a considerable step above his 2014 numbers, and the Jaguars offense has looked much more explosive thanks to his play.

Bortles is also on pace for 18 interceptions, just a little proof he still has a ways to go. Bortles has improved, but he still has work to do to progress into an even better QB. It's just gonna take some time.

Biggest Liability: Jason Myers

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When the Jaguars made the decision to move forward with kicker Jason Myers, it was clear they were going to be patient with him. It is his first year in the NFL, after all, and it was probably best to move past former K Josh Scobee.

However, Myers has missed three field-goal attempts and three point-after-touchdown tries, and that's becoming a concern. His missed extra point against the Bills meant the Jaguars needed a touchdown late to win, rather than a field goal at worst to tie and go to overtime.

Myers will get better, but for the time being, he's been a serious liability. Missing two game-winning kicks against the Indianapolis Colts is the most forward thing in most people's minds, but Myers has to lock down his game as a whole going into the season's second half.

Offensive MVP: Allen Robinson

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There are a few players who were contenders for this award, but no one has been as explosive as Robinson. He has totaled 586 yards and six touchdowns on 34 catches this season, and his scoring capabilities as well as his reliability has been vital this season.

Robinson impressed last season before his season-ending foot injury, but his sophomore year has seen him reach another level. He has been joined by fellow WR and offensive MVP contender Allen Hurns in that step up, and that has given the Jaguars lethal WR options.

The Jaguars desperately needed their investment in Robinson to deliver this season, and it seems as he's embraced his potential. 

NFL.com ranked Robinson as one of the top 20 receivers in six different categories, and that's with a bye-week absence in Week 8. Nothing is ever certain in football, but the Jaguars can be thankful they've accrued a young, blooming star.

Defensive MVP: Paul Posluszny

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Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny has been a player who has a great reputation as a leader and as a person, but his impressive stats haven't always translated to impact performances. There's no doubt in his ability to tackle, but has he been more of a container than a true defender?

That question doesn't have a clear answer, but one thing is certain: "Poz" has been an absolute beast this season. Even with a missed game due to injury, Posluszny has totaled 48 solo tackles and his two interceptions surprisingly lead the Jaguars defense.

While that may be more of a detractor for the Jaguars secondary than a compliment to Poz, the two picks came in big moments in their respective games. 

Posluszny has continued to be a leader this season, and it's fantastic to see him match his importance in the locker room with exceptional play on the field. It's not easy to deliver what Poz does, especially considering Jacksonville's situation since his arrival, but he has done it and will look to terrify offenses the rest of the season.

All stats provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.