Colts at Jaguars: A Q&A with Black and Teal
By Evan Reller
Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Vanderbilt won 102-52. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
2. There were some concerns with Bortles in his rookie year, but is looking very strong this year. Do you believe he is the long term player the Jags have been looking for?
"In addition to the huge bump in productivity, Bortles has looked terrific as an overall passer in 2015. He’s improved enormously as a decision maker and a passer who can function in the pocket. He’s developed a good rapport with Robinson and Allen Hurns, and he’s learned how to utilize the weapons around him. There’s little doubt among Jaguars fans that Bortles is the long-term answer at the position."
My take:
Hearing that Bortles had a dead arm late last season after only seeing playing time in 13 games (starting 12) gave me pause. That hasn’t been a concern with many other young QBs and should have been a red flag. But seeing Bortles and a group of very talented young receivers come around has been impressive.
Unfortunately with the bad defense, Bortles could develop some bad habits (not unlike Andrew Luck). We might start seeing him press on possessions, thinking he has to do everything himself. If the Jags can develop on the other side of the ball, they’ll have the AFC South more competitive in short order.
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