Jacksonville Jaguars vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 3 Reasons for Hope

Things are looking rough for the Jacksonville Jaguars at 0-4 with the Pittsburgh Steelers bearing down on Sunday. Fortunately for the Jags, there is reason for hope still. In fact there are reasons and most all of them are on offense for the first time in a very long time. Let’s take them one at a time.

Blake Bortles, Quarterback

Blake Bortles is the premier reason for hope for the Jaguars. The rookie out of UCF looks poised and confident under center and that translated to the best completion percentage (78%) in a rookie debut in the last 60 years. If that doesn’t give fans hope, then nothing will.

Bortles’ willingness to take risks should also be highlighted. For the first time in half a decade the Jaguars have a quarterback who is willing to take shots when he sees openings and gamble a little with the ball. As evidenced by Bortles’ four interceptions in six quarters of play, this can backfire on occasion. But after seeing David Garrard, Blaine Gabbert, and Chad Henne take the easy check down on almost all occasions, it’s nice to see a Jaguars quarterback take some risks. Bortles has become an electrifying player in his limited snaps and should continue to be so against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has rejuvenated an offense that was struggling to even move the chains.

Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson, Wide Receivers

Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson are developing into stellar wide receivers. Hurns is a big play threat whenever the ball is thrown his way and Robinson is the consistent target that every quarterback can hope for. We’re only four games into the season but these two rookies look like they have the potential to be difference makers. It’s only a matter of when. Most rookie receivers don’t have a major impact in their first year, but Hurns and Robinson have a lot of snaps because of a young receiving corps in Jacksonville. They will make the best of their opportunities and continue to progress against the Steelers. Hurns needs to make sure he completes catches before turning upfield.

Austin Pasztor Is Back

Austin Pasztor will be returning to start at right tackle for the Jaguars and it’s key that he gels with the offensive line quickly. The Jags’ offensive line has struggled so far this season and getting Pasztor (a 12 game starter last year) back will help to make this patchwork unit into something a bit better. Hopefully this will lead to better run blocking as well as better pass blocking, which will help the offense click overall. I expect Pasztor to provide a strong veteran presence that helps with young players like left tackle Luke Joeckel, center Luke Bowanko, and right guard Brandon Linder. I expect his presence to immediately help the team in their game against the Steelers on Sunday. He may just become one of Bortles’ best friends on offense.