Blake Bortles: Optimistic expectations for 2016

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles was one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch in 2015 and could provide plenty of exciting plays in 2016 as well.

In looking at reasonable expectations for Blake Bortles in 2016, it almost felt depressing to think of him as simply becoming a more polished, possibly less prolific quarterback in his third season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

That may very well be the case and that is why those expectations are marked as reasonable. After all, it’s ridiculous to think that a quarterback in just his third year could push to be one of the best in the NFL and also one of the most productive.

But that’s exactly what will be explored here.

There’s no question that Bortles can improve his completion percentage (58.6 percent in year two) and limit his mistakes (18 interceptions, tops in the NFL in year two) and if the Jaguars do end up in more close games, it is certainly possible that offensive coordinator Greg Olson will turn to his young QB to win it for the team. If that’s the case, Bortles could really come on big for the Jaguars.

Forget about “just” 35 touchdowns and 4428 yards. Bortles is athletic enough and talented enough to put up huge numbers in 2016. He could very well expand those numbers to push 40 TDs and, dare we say it, 5000 yards in 2016.

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That kind of accomplishment is generally reserved for men with the last name Brees, but it’s certainly not an insurmountable hurdle for big-armed quarterbacks that sling it.

Drew Brees owns four of the eight 5000 yard seasons in NFL history. Peyton Manning owns the biggest (5477 yards). Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford round out the modern QBs tossing over 5000 and Dan Marino‘s legendary 1984 season is no longer completely alone atop the quarterbacking world. 5000 yard seasons are rare, but they aren’t unheard of anymore.

With a big arm, a plethora of receiving targets, an unproven (though improved) defense, and a willingness to Brett Favre his way to victory, Blake Bortles could become the next name to grace that illustrious leader board. Already posting the 57th best NFL season from a passer, Bortles has the potential to be so much more.

Is 2016 the year he’ll make a run for 5000? Is it the year he posts 40 touchdowns (only 11 such seasons have occurred)? Probably not, but this is an optimistic look at just how much Bortles could progress.

A little reality check: Realistic expectations for Blake Bortles

The Jacksonville Jaguars knew they were getting a raw passer in Bortles. They knew they were gambling on his talent to take them to new heights at the quarterback position. So far, it’s been a great bet that has already to begun to pay off in just two seasons. There’s no reason to check our optimism now, in the midst of speculation season. Let’s see what he can do!