Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 Season Preview and Predictions

Biggest Storyline

When will Blake Bortles start?

Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) and quarterback Blake Bortles (5) take the field before the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

That’s a question head coach Gus Bradley better get used to answering. Blake Bortles’ phenomenal performances in the preseason were both a blessing and a curse – he validated their decision to take him 3rd overall in the 2014 NFL Draft but he single-handedly derailed their steadfast plan to start Chad Henne for the entire season. There’s no logical argument that can justify starting Chad Henne and keeping Bortles on the bench for very long, so the focus now turns to when Bortles might start. It seems week 1 is going to be Chad’s for the time being, but how long can he keep the job? If Chad Henne and the Jaguars return home in week 3 already 0-2, I think the front office and coaching staff will do the right thing and start Bortles against the Indianapolis Colts. It gives Bortles the chance to make his first start in front of a supportive home crowd against a bad defense in Indianapolis. It’s almost too perfect, so it probably won’t happen. I think it’s more likely the Jaguars turn to Bortles at home in week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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