Cody Kessler now backing up Blake Bortles in Jacksonville
By David Levin
Blake Bortles may be the Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback, but the man holding the clipboard this season won’t be the same from year’s past. Enter Cody Kessler, the man who will wait in the wings, ready when needed.
Chad Henne has moved on to Kansas City while the Jaguars are turning over the backup duties to Cody Kessler, who came over from the Cleveland Browns in a trade this offseason. Bortles, who told the media last week he was adjusting to not having Henne around as a friend and mentor, will continue to prepare for the upcoming season like he has in the past.
Bortles told the media Henne is still in his head sometimes, especially when things don’t go as he planned during a play.
"“Yes, when I do stupid things,” Bortles said while smiling. “He would be the first one. He would yell at me before [offensive coordinator] Nate [Hackett] would. Certain things I do, I know exactly what he would say. It is constant reminders to not do some of the dumb stuff I have done.”"
Per Jaguars.com, when the Jaguars opted not to re-sign longtime backup Chad Henne as an unrestricted free agent in mid-March, it ensured the dynamic of the quarterback room would change. The 32-year-old Henne was the only NFL backup Bortles ever had known, having held the role since Bortles took over as the starter in Week 3 of 2014.
And the relationship that the two formed helped the former UCF star learn how to be a better quarterback during his tenure with the Jaguars.
Kessler comes from an organization much like the Jaguars in years past. Top draft picks, many free agent signings, and the hope things will get better. When Tashaun Gipson signed with the Jaguars in 2016, he said he did so to join a winning organization. Gipson only found out what winning in Jacksonville was like last season.
Cody Kessler walks into a situation where the winning formula has been created, and should he get the call to play this season, the former USC star will be ready.
"“Luckily, I got to come in at the beginning of Phase 1 [of the offseason program],” he said. “It’s been easier because I’ve been in the league for two years, so it’s been easier to stick to a process. Having those two years behind me made it a little easier.”"
Being the backup in Jacksonville means you are part of the constant question, should Bortles show signs of the 2016 season and parts of 2017, will he be replaced. A contract extension of three years and $54 million says that is highly unlikely. But should the durable starter go down with an injury, Kessler is one play away from being the man behind center on a playoff and Super Bowl contending team.
That’s a far cry from battling for a starting spot or mop-up duty in the cold and dreary city in Ohio.
Both Kessler and Bortles have shown well in the first four days of OTAs with the Jaguars. While Bortles has taken most of the reps on the field, the new backup has shown he is learning the team’s offense on the fly, but has proven he may be a quick study, should the moment arise where he is called upon at a moment’s notice.