How Many Rushing Yards Will Blake Bortles Have in 2016?
Blake Bortles is a dual threat quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just how many yards will he accumulate with his feet in 2016?
During Blake Bortles’ first two NFL seasons, he has shown the ability to be elusive in the pocket and rush for key first downs. Based on the rushing yardage he has accumulated over the first two seasons of his career, we can extrapolate how many he may gain in 2016.
To be honest, I’m glad Bortles is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback. When Bortles does decide to tuck it and run he seems to glide over grass as he dips and dodges defenders, whether its escaping the pocket or running on a first down he looks graceful. Over the first two years, Bortles has banked 108 rushing attempts for 729 yards, has an average of 3.6 yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
As highlighted in an article this summer, Bortles received advice from Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers, two of the best quarterbacks at decision making in NFL. If that conversation influenced his decision making at all then watch this season for Bortles to become a more situational runner. I’m not saying to take away the QB read because I think he’s good at that and plus I feel it keeps the defense honest, but Bortles is better at running than most other QBs in the league so why not use it?
More from Black and Teal
- Jacksonville Jaguars unlikely to pursue Carson Wentz despite Doug Pederson connection
- Jaguars RB Travis Etienne expected to have bigger impact in 2023
- 5 bonafide stars from the Jacksonville Jaguars 2022 season
- Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t heard any Calvin Ridley news from the NFL
- WR Marvin Jones Jr. will give 110 percent with the Jacksonville Jaguars or wherever he plays in 2023
So why does this all matter what does this have to do with the 2016 season?
Quite a bit. It’s not a big sample size but each of the first two years in the league Bortles’ rushing numbers have steadily declined. Lower stats aren’t as flashy but if Bortles numbers do decline this season it’s because he’s keeping his eyes downfield looking for one of the downfield targets.
Keeping all this in mind I predict that Bortles numbers will decline a bit in 2016. I’m going by Price is Right rules so I’ll predict Bortles will end the season will 305 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. The good thing is Blake isn’t primarily a running QB so if he does have a decline it’s not that big of a deal. Regardless of how many yards he ends up with, one thing that is for certain when the 2016 season winds up again is that Blake Bortles will make some breathtaking plays with his feet.