Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns: Quarterbacks Falter
By Luke Sims
In the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns game on Sunday the quarterbacks were easily the two worst parts of the game. Neither Brian Hoyer nor Blake Bortles could find any level of consistency. Whether it’s Bortles’ three interceptions to look at or Hoyer’s poor throws that left points on the board, both quarterbacks failed to be effective against the opposing defenses. If the running game hadn’t taken off for the Jacksonville Jaguars and if their defense and special teams hadn’t been able to step up and make opportunities, this game could very easily have had less than 10 points between the two teams.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways
- Jaguars News: The offense is in good shape for 2023
- NFL officially reinstates Jacksonville Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley: 3 immediate takeaways
- Derek Carr immediately makes Jaguars vs. Saints 2023 away game Must-Watch TV
- Jacksonville Jaguars fortify secondary in 4-round 2023 Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft
A modern NFL quarterback is supposed to lead the offense and inspire better play from those around him.
Brian Hoyer and Blake Bortles failed to do that in every way imaginable on Sunday.
Brian Hoyer managed to complete just 39% of his passes while tossing just his second interception of the season. He managed 215 yards but a significant portion of those came on one drive. He failed to complete passes when the Browns had the ball deep in Jacksonville territory and looked every bit like his 46.3 passer rating.
Blake Bortles wasn’t much better. In fact, based on his 40.3 passer rating, you could argue that he was worse. He did get a touchdown while completing nearly 55% of his passes, but three passes went into the hands of defenders and he put the defense in near-indefensible situations that they miraculously stood strong on. A week after his first 300 yard game, Bortles managed just 159 yards.
If you like watching quarterbacks fight back and forth, then this wasn’t the game for you. Both quarterbacks essentially terrible, despite promising returns from both Hoyer and the rookie earlier in the season.
I expect that Hoyer will be able to rebound, despite possibly increased chants for Johnny Football from Browns fans. Meanwhile, Bortles must learn to limit his mistakes. He now has 10 interceptions on the season to just five touchdowns. His rookie mistakes are very apparent.