The 2016 Jacksonville Jaguars season was nothing short of a disaster. A team that many predicted to challenge for a playoff spot, the Jaguars finished the season with a disappointing 3-13 record; the fourth-worst in the league. A lot of the Jags struggles fell on the shoulders of quarterback Blake Bortles.
The Jaguars signal caller regressed significantly following a successful 2015-16 campaign. With his mechanics looking awful at times, Bortles ended the season with 23 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and a completion percentage of only 58.9%. Although the cause for concern is understandable, the Jaguars shouldn’t necessarily give up on the former third overall pick just yet.
Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Should Keep Faith in Blake Bortles
Playing with Injuries
ESPN reported early last week that the Jaguars quarterback had been playing with a separated shoulder and tendinitis in his right wrist for the majority of the season. Bortles sustained his shoulder injury in October, against the Titans, but aggravated it in a defeat to the Detroit Lions in mid-November. Bortles was then present on the injury report for the remainder of the season, but was never listed as questionable on the weekly status report. Although Bortles was quick to admit this was no excuse for his poor play, it’s almost certain that it would have impacted it.
The Difference a Year Makes
This time last year, Bortles was part of the league’s most promising young offence. A season later, fans and analysts alike are questioning whether he is still the franchise quarterback the Jaguars can build a team around. However, Bortles has shown this season he can still play at a high level. In the final two games of the year, Bortles twice threw for over 300 yards.
With a completion percentage above 60%, Bortles also caught a touchdown pass from Marqise Lee in Week 16 against the Titans. This mirrored Bortles form from the previous year, in which he set single-season franchise records for passing yards (4,428) and passing touchdowns (35).
New System, Old Faces
Bortles will also have the prospect of a new Head Coach in Doug Marrone, to look forward to for next season. Marrone had his ‘interim’ tag removed on Monday, and the former Bills head coach has already indicated he has faith in the Jaguars quarterback. With Bortles looking his best under Marrone as interim coach, this decision from the Jaguars will likely inject Bortles with confidence going forward.
In addition, Bortles will also be encouraged by the Jaguars decision to retain Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator. Bortles seemed to play well under Hackett and although he will have to learn a new scheme, he clearly developed a better relationship with Hackett than with former coordinator Greg Olson.
Important Off-season
With an opportunity to rest his injury, the pending NFL offseason represents an opportunity for the Jaguars quarterback to do some much needed work on his mechanics. Bortles will have the opportunity to fix his footwork, as well as his wind-up and release, which generated the most criticism from fans.
Bortles future in Jacksonville will ultimately depend on his ability to fix his flaws in these coming months. Despite a poor year, the Florida native has shown he can play at a high level, and with an important off-season imminent for the Jaguars, this could prove to be the most significant period of Bortles’ young career.
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