Statistically Speaking: Jaguars Blake Bortles is Doing Just Fine in 2018

By David Levin | Oct 3, 2018

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Blake Bortles #5 of the Jacksonville Jaguars works out on the field before their game against the New York Jets at TIAA Bank Field on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

Judging by statistics, this could be one of the best seasons Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has had in his brief NFL career.

When will the haters stop hating? When will Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles finally respond to the years of criticism and speak his mind? When will the naysayers put duct tape over their mouths themselves? Bortles, who has had some rocky moments this year already, is still doing just fine in the team’s offense.

Statistically speaking, of course.

Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone has used a formula of using “quarters” to break up the season. Jacksonville won the first quarter of 2018, going 3-1. If not for Bortles stepping up to help a staggering running game, this team may not be in as solid a position as it is right now.

I know, everyone is going to talk about the defense and its continued domination of opponents. The team ranks first in scoring defense through the first four games. That lofty perch will be tested this week against that Pat Mahomes kid and the Kansas City Chiefs.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

If you break down Bortles this year, you get a full season that reads 4,380 yards passing with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His completion percentage of 64.7 shows his improvement in making better decisions. The 24 sacks he is projected to have is tied for the best of his career, which happened in 2017.

Bortles had his best season in 2015 where he shattered record books by throwing for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also tossed 18 interceptions and was dropped 51 times. Many of his yards were after the game was already out of reach. A 5-11 season, another high draft pick (Jalen Ramsey) and a lot of unanswered questions by the coaching staff and players.

The Jaguars are building their offense around their quarterback – something they did not plan on – and it is working to multiple degrees. Yes, there are times when he still looks the part of quarterback in training, but the “wobblers” my ex-wife used to talk about aren’t as prevalent as in years past.

Chalk that up to experience, comfort in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s system, and a wrist injury that has finally disappeared. This is “his” team, where teammates respect his gritty performances on the field and the bullets he dodges from the media and other NFL players. This season could be “the one” everyone looks back and sees a Pro Bowl-type season, with the Jaguars competing for a Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta.

Right now, the defense and the passing game will have to carry this team. Running back Leonard Fournette has been virtually MIA with a hamstring injury. T.J. Yeldon has been solid as the team’s leading rusher and best pass catcher out of the backfield. But he too is dealing with injuries.

There has even been some talk by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com this team might have some interest in Le’Veon Bell to help the loss of Fournette while he is on the mend. The Jaguars worked out free agent running backs this week, but no transactions have been made.

For now, and for the foreseeable future, it is Bortles, a passing game and a tenacious defense that will carry Jacksonville as far as it can go. Hopefully, that is 19 games for this NFL season. Hopefully, by reaching Atlanta in February, Bortles will be rewarded for his efforts, not condemned for them.

If NFL statistics mean something, then Bortles is having a solid season. And honestly, nothing else matters besides wins and losses. So far, Jacksonville has three in four games, with their quarterback responsible for a 377-yard passing day and a 388-yard passing day. If he plays well against the Kansas City Chiefs, those questioning his ability will diminish even more.

Jaguars Leonard Fournette Ruled Out for Chiefs Game. dark. Next

The best way for Bortles to win people over is to play more as he did against the New York Jets and less as he did against Tennessee. As long as he is winning football games, everything else should not matter.

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars News