WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!
The first words uttered by many Jaguar fans following Sunday’s blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jaguars put up 51 points, the most ever for a regular season game. Now that we’ve all had a chance to calm down, we can break down just how the Jaguars were able to obtain their fifth win of the season.
Some people are leaving EverBank because it's a blowout...for the Jags. #ASJax
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) December 13, 2015
Yes, this was actually a thing.
It doesn’t matter if Andrew Luck wasn’t under center, the Jags played great and they were rewarded for it. Gus Bradley and offensive coordinator Greg Olsen put on an absolute clinic, and most importantly, never called off the dogs.
The Jags ended their six game losing streak against Indy and now just sit one game back in the AFC South.
So now that it’s been two days post this monumental victory, let’s take a look at who set the tone and had the biggest impact:
1. QB Blake Bortles
This may be the least surprising. Second year man Blake Bortles has been sensational as of late and his great play continued on Sunday afternoon. Blake added three more touchdown passes bringing his season total up to 30.
.@NFL TD pass leaders:
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 13, 2015
Tom Brady 31
Carson Palmer 31
Blake Bortles 30
QB Blake Bortles (@BBortles5) has thrown 10 passing TDs in the past three games (one INT), the most in a three-game span in @Jaguars history
— Tad Dickman (@TDickman89) December 13, 2015
Bortles has thrown eight touchdowns and zero picks in the last two outings and he seems to be heating up at just the right time. The most important thing for Blake has been eliminating the costly turnovers. The pick-sixes, the balls he has no business throwing, and it appears he is starting to figure that out.
It’s no secret that the Jaguars offense is full of weapons. But for the first time all year, everyone seems to be on the same page, and that is a very scary thought for the rest of the division.
Blake Bortles, Thrower of 30 Touchdowns https://t.co/0jDooUOVSI
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) December 13, 2015
This connection may be the most important. The Jaguars have been terrible this season inside the red-zone and Thomas is beginning to change that. This touchdown was Blake’s 30th on the year and broke this game wide open.
Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports
Bortles took risks, but in a good way. He threw passes only his guys could come down with and some of those plays made for the most exciting. Blake still has a completion percentage in the high 50’s but if he can make that rise into the mid-60’s, maybe then he will start getting the recognition he deserves.
On Sunday, it didn’t take a herculean effort from Blake to get a win, because one wasn’t needed. The former UCF Knight didn’t make any of those awful plays that many Jags fans are used too.
He was sacked three times, none of which he ran himself into, and the awful snap from center that led to the Colts one touchdown obviously wasn’t his fault.
Overall, as a Jaguar fan you have to be happy with the future of this team, the offense in particular. A ton of talent all under the age of 28 and whether some want to admit it, the future is finally under center, and that’s super exciting to think about.
Next: Hurns has Big Day in Return