Blake Bortles electric in Jaguars 22-17 loss to Detroit Lions

It’s just the preseason.

That’s what Jacksonville Jaguars fans collectively had to tell themselves as they watched second year quarterback Blake Bortles shine in Friday evening’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions.

By the way, the Jaguars lost 22-17.

For most of the first half, the Jaguars defense looked helpless against a Detroit offense that was without Calvin Johnson, the top receiver in the NFL. The Lions were able to run the ball effectively against the Jags and Golden Tate looked like a superstar against the Jacksonville secondary.

None of that dampered what was an extremely encouraging night thanks to the play of Blake Bortles.

Finishing the night 20 of 29 for 245 yards and a touchdown, Bortles looked poised, accurate, and efficient as he moved the ball down the field consistently versus a Detroit defense that absolutely obliterated the Washington Redskins a week ago.

From the get-go Bortles was on point, as he led a 15 play, 83 yard drive that was capped off by an easy touchdown pass to Allen Hurns.

(thanks to @BigCatCountry for the vine)

For the rest of the first half and the first drive of the third quarter, Bortles led an offense that moved the ball enough to avoid punting the ball at all. The Jaguars didn’t have to call on Kasey Redfern until the third quarter when Chad Henne was in the game.

What makes Bortles’ performance all the more impressive is how completely ineffective the running game was. Subtracting Bortles’ 38 rushing yards, the running game only mustered 30 yards on 23 carries. Some of that probably had to do with Brandon Linder leaving the game early on, but it’s still rather concerning.

Still, Bortles managed to succeed on obvious passing downs and did so without his top tight end and with Marqise Lee still sidelined.

Final score aside, this night was a complete success for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Next: How did our predictions turn out?

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