Jacksonville Jaguars Preseason Week 1 Reactions
By Daniel Lago
It’s been a few days since the Jacksonville Jaguars took the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Friday for their first preseason game, and most of our analysts around the FanSided network have had a chance to digest how they performed. Unsurprisingly, Blake Bortles was the primary topic in most recaps. With that in mind, here are some of the reactions around the network:
"The Jacksonville Jaguars initially said their plans were to bring #3 overall draft pick Blake Bortles along slowly in 2014. That meant the starting job likely belonged to veteran Chad Henne. One preseason game in and minds have begun to change. Bortles looked more advanced than expected, completing seven passes for 117 yards and a 99.4 QBR. Henne had just 30 yards on four completions with two fumbles. Unless something changes drastically in the next game, the future may be now in Jacksonville."
"The Jacksonville Jaguars opened up their 2014 preseason this past weekend by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 16-10. In the game, rookie quarterback Blake Bortles took advantage of his debut, turning in what many considered the best performance of all the rookies of the 2014 draft class, throwing for 117 yards on 7-of-11 passing."
Kieth Demolder – NFL Spin Zone
"Against Tampa, Bortles was able to complete seven passes for 117 yards. After all was said and done, Bortles earned a 99.4 passer rating. As well, Bortles was able to rush for a seven yard gain after being pressured in the pocket. Although it is still too early to tell whether or not Bortles will be the Jaguars’ starter, we saw some good things from the rookie. Bortles was able to complete medium to long range passes with relative ease and had no problem handing the ball off to fellow rookie Storm Johnson and Denard Robinson. Chad Henne is still the starting QB for the Jaguars, however if Bortles continues to perform well in preseason games and practices, Henne could be in trouble."
– Daniel Lago