The Jacksonville Jaguars selected quarterback Blake Bortles with the third overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he came through with a dud of a rookie season. It was a big disappointment, but he is showing star potential for the Jaguars so far this preseason. His third preseason game in particular last night was impressive, and the Jaguars should be very excited moving forward with him under center.
Bortles ended up throwing for 245 yards and a touchdown durinng the game, while completing 20 of his 29 passing attempts. Those are the type of numbers that Jacksonville wants to see, and he appears ready to break out in his second NFL season.
Last season, in his rookie year, Bortles ended up throwing for 2,908 yards, 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He didn't look comfortable at all, which can be a major issue for young quarterbacks getting their first professional action. The speed of the game is completely different and the athleticism of opposing defense teams takes a major leap as well.
Heading into his second season, he has had a chance to use a full offseason to watch film and figure out how to take the next step that the Jaguars need him to take. He has been impressive all preseason long, and it has the franchise extremely excited.
There is no question that Bortles has the physical presence to become something special in the next couple of years. Jacksonville saw his build at 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, and automatically reminded them of quite a few great quarterbacks to come before him with that type size. He has an NFL caliber arm, but simply needs to work on his game from the shoulders up in order to show that arm.
Jacksonville also brought in former Denver Broncos star tight end Julius Thomas in free agency, which will be a huge help to Bortles as well. His receivers are another year older and better themselves.
While last night was just a preseason game, it was a dress rehearsal for the season. He appears to be ready to go, and wants to prove his critics wrong from last year. There is no doubt that he is capable of proving his ability to be a franchise quarterback in 2015, which is exactly what he took a big step towards against the Detroit Lions.
Expect to see him come out strong to start the 2015 season, and prove exactly why the Jaguars selected him so high. They certainly need him to take a big leap forward this year. Bortles has the franchise caliber potential, and simply needed a year to learn the game before showing off that potential.
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