Blake Bortles Is Better As A Game Manager Than A Gunslinger
By Larry Brake
Blake Bortles played his best game today. He proved that running downfield is a better decision than throwing into tight windows.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were facing a tough day against the Buffalo Bills. Both starting tight ends were not playing and T.J. Yeldon was a game time decision. The Jaguars were hoping for a better effort from Blake Bortles than in previous games.
In games past, Bortles would try to extend the play by running sideways. Usually that decision would result in an interception. A better choice would have been to run upfield for a few yards.
As kickoff approached, many Jaguar fans wondered how Jacksonville would deal with replacing injuries starters. Some fans wondered how they would score against a tough Buffalo defense. Most of all, how would Blake Bortles play in this must-win game.
Bortles led the Jaguars to their first touchdown on their first possession. Bortles ran the ball for 81 yards. Bortles passing numbers were not very impressive but were solid. He was 13-26 for 126 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, a good performance.
Bortles is a better game manager than a gunslinger.
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First, Bortles plays better when he spreads the ball around. He threw to seven different receivers and four were not wide receivers.
Next, he kept drives alive by making good decisions. On each scoring drive, he made the right read to keep the chains moving by running downfield. It is okay to throw the ball away when nobody is open but its better to run for yardage.
Third, Bortles plays better when he makes quick throws. Whether it is an out route or back shoulder throw, he appears to be better on timing routes. He gets into trouble when trying to extend the play and revert back into free style playground football.
At 2-9, the Jaguars are basically out of any playoff run. The future of Blake Bortles as the face of the franchise will be determined by the powers to be. Today, Bortles played well.