Blake Bortles Must Earn The Starting Quarterback Position In 2017
By Larry Brake
Jacksonville Jaguars vice president for football operations Tom Coughlin says that Blake Bortles must earn his job by improving his performance.
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell believes that Blake Bortles is the man to lead the Jaguars. Jaguars VP Tom Coughlin may not share a similar view of Bortles. Consequently, Blake Bortles must earn the starting quarterback position in 2017.
Caldwell has never wavered in praising Bortles. He agrees that Bortles must improve his game performances. Yet, despite setbacks, Caldwell still believes in his quarterback.
Coughlin proclaimed that Bortles was the man in January. In February, he is not so sure. What has changed since January’s press conference?
Bortles has taken more body shots than Muhammed Ali’s punching bag. Seems like Bortles was the target of many opinions. Trent Dilfer labeled Bortles as “the worst quarterback in the NFL”. Another opinion suggests that trading him away could open the door for another quarterback in Jacksonville.
Doug Marrone has the authority to start anyone at quarterback, according to Caldwell. Marrone used E.J. Manuel in Buffalo to lead his 2013 offense. Kyle Orton was his quarterback in 2014 and led them to a 9-7 record. Marrone got it done with mediocrity.
What Things Must Blake Bortles Do To Earn His Spot At Quarterback?
First, Bortles has to do a better job of “taking care of the football,” Coughlin tells reporters. Almost everyone has heard and read of Bortles’ propensity to turnover the football. He must fix that this offseason, making March to September an interesting period to watch.
Second, everybody is aware of Bortles’ mechanics and need to improve his delivery. There does not appear to be much difference in the Bortes of 2016 and the Bortles of Central Florida. He has not shown any improvement since joining Jacksonville in 2014.
Third, Bortles needs to realize that the Jaguars fans want to win. His physical demeanor does not give too many people confidence in his role as Jaguars signal caller.
Remember, Doug Marrone used three quarterbacks in 2013 before settling on Orton in 2014. Blake Bortles can earn his job with improved play or can lose it due to poor performance. Actually, it’s up to Bortles whether he can genuinely become a better quarterback.
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Currently, he looks to be the same quarterback out of Central Florida that Dave Caldwell thought would improve. Entering year four, it’s time to improve.