Blake Bortles was best AFC South QB and it wasn’t even close
By Luke Sims
1) Blake Bortles, quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars
5-11 record, 58.6 completion percentage, 4428 yards, 35 touchdowns, 18 interceptions
From worst to first, Blake Bortles really proved to be the best quarterback in the AFC South in 2015 and actually competed with some of the best in the NFL during the year.
Second in the NFL in touchdowns and sixth in yardage, Bortles was able to keep the Jags alive even when he was being pulled down for sack after sack and tossing interceptions (he led the league in both categories).
Bortles is a big play threat every time he drops back. While he needs to limit his mistakes, no quarterback in the division could compete with Bortles in giving his team a chance to win. Unfortunately, it sometimes turns into a key interception or pick-six as well.
In a season that saw Marcus Mariota rise as a true contender, it’s impressive that Bortles became so productive that he easily looked like the better quarterback.
Going forward, it will likely be a contest between Marcus Mariota, Andrew Luck, and Blake Bortles as the best quarterback sin the division. Bortles could see his risky approach to the game catch up with him and hurt him compared to his peers, but for 2015 he was productive enough to easily shine.
More jaguars: Blake Bortles was a top 12 QB in his breakout season
Which quarterback will be the best next season, though? We could be in for a truly impressive quarterback competition in 2016.