Jacksonville Jaguars Week 12 Stock Report

The Jacksonville Jaguars have racked up two straight wins, including their first divisional victory last Thursday over the Tennessee Titans. Now, they'll face a down-and-out San Diego Chargers team in hopes to string together a three-game win streak.

The Jaguars (4-6) are in competition for a playoff spot for the first time in years, and a win over the Chargers (2-8) would take them one step farther to becoming legitimate contenders for the AFC South title or even a wild-card spot.

It hasn't been a pretty couple of wins, but the Jaguars have done something they had struggled with in the first eight games: finishing. Despite familiar struggles, the Jaguars performed when it mattered and that has made the difference. 

The Chargers will be a tough opponent, but a lot of the Jaguars players have been stepping up their game as of late. This second-half charge has been less of luck, and more of certain players improving and becoming more fluid members of the team.

The Jaguars' stock as a whole is up for the first time in years, and it's now time to see if it has a faulty foundation or if it is built to last. This upcoming Sunday will be a testament to either side.

Rashad Greene Returns with a Bang, Sees a Stock Rise

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Wide receiver Rashad Greene hadn't seen the field since Week 2 of this season, but his return for "Thursday Night Football" was capped off with an incredibly important and unbelievable 63-yard punt return.

It put the Jaguars in striking distance, and on the ensuing play, quarterback Blake Bortles hit tight end Julius Thomas for a five-yard touchdown. That was followed up by a forced fumble and recovery from corner Davon House, and the Jaguars were able to take a 19-13 lead.

It was a pretty boring and unappealing game for three and a half quarters, but Greene ignited a series of plays that allowed the Jaguars to take the lead and more. He didn't see much time or impact with the offense, but he announced his return on special teams.

The Jaguars haven't had a great punt returner for a while now, and Greene looks like he could be the guy going forward. He staked his claim on Thursday night, and he deserves a lot of credit for sparking the late-game push.

Dwayne Gratz Gets Benched, Stock Dips to an All-Time Low

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

CB Dwayne Gratz has been one of the consistent letdowns of the 2015 season, and it's now culminated into his benching during Thursday's win. CB Demetrius McCray came on to handle Titans WR Dorial Green-Beckham instead, and did considerably better.

The Jaguars coaching staff has stayed dedicated to Gratz throughout the season, even going to the point of promoting him to House's spot for the Buffalo Bills game (which didn't last for long after he got toasted consistently by Bills WR Robert Woods).

His benching on Thursday was likely the best move, but it's unsure whether the Jaguars will plan to bench him in favor of McCray for Sunday's game against the Chargers. 

Defensive coordinator Bob Babich and head coach Gus Bradley haven't budged with Gratz over the season, and their consistent dedication to him makes it seem unlikely that he'll be starting Sunday on the bench. 

House has been a lockdown corner, but Gratz's struggles week-to-week really hurt the Jaguars' pass defense. McCray may not be a world-beater, but he's a better, physical option at the moment.

Aaron Colvin Adds Another Sack and Two Passes Defended, Earns a Stock Bump

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CB Aaron Colvin has proven to be a versatile player, but the fact that he leads the Jaguars in sacks with four total this season is something else entirely. He was able to add another by bringing down Titans QB Marcus Mariota, but that wasn't all.

He also added two passes defended, and he consistently rolled with changing assignments and roles in the defense on Thursday. While House has become the closest thing to a "shutdown" corner the Jaguars have, Colvin is becoming an explosive asset in the secondary.

While Gratz' play has declined over the season, it seems like Colvin is getting better. It's his first full season, and the early growing pains are being replaced by consistent play at worst, and huge moments at best.

Colvin may even see time on the outside considering the situation with Gratz, but Colvin has been near impeccable as of late at the nickel spot. It's almost hard to believe he has just now totaled 16 game appearances in the NFL.

Blake Bortles Limits Mistakes, Earns a Stock Rise

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The major issue with Bortles' play this season has been his decision-making. His increased volume of yards and touchdowns has been impressive, but the number of interceptions, especially in untimely situations, has been a killer.

Against the Titans, Bortles still had two turnovers, but his fumble on the QB sneak should've probably been ruled down due to forward-progress. However, the NFL and its officiating has been wildly inconsistent, so that really wasn't a surprise.

As for his late interception, it was a poor throw, potentially one of only two or three the entire game. He completed 70 percent of his passes, a season high, and was consistently hitting his receivers in opportunistic positions.

Bortles wasn't perfect, but he threw the ball much better than we've seen all year. He stayed composed, and bouncing back after the interception is something that is becoming a bit of a trend in Bortles' game.

It wasn't his biggest performance, but I'd definitely say it trends to the top in terms of rank. With six games left in the season, Bortles limiting his mistakes and completing more passes may be the push the offense needs.

Telvin Smith Leads Jaguars in Tackles, Stock Continues to Rise

Brian Blanco/Associated Press

Linebacker Telvin Smith seems to be everywhere. Wherever the ball goes, he's there. Run? Smith is shooting gaps and tackling the back. Pass? He follows the QB and gets beat a lot less than a second-year LB should.

On Thursday, he totaled eight solo tackles, the team high, and added a tackle for loss while he was at it. His ability to track the ball and then pop the ball carrier is currently unmatched by his fellow teammates.

In the Jaguars two most-viewed games, Smith has performed up-to-snuff or better. He's quickly proving that he is a big-time player, and the previous concerns over his size and intelligence coming into the NFL are long-forgotten.

The Jaguars are finding young leaders on defense, and Smith is the leader of the new wave. His intensity matches his skill, and that's making him one of the most exciting players on the Jaguars.

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.