Blake Bortles has looked good throughout camp, but appeared to reach a different level on Wednesday. Bortles completed 10 of 15 passes in 11-on-11 work and was 7 of 8 in seven-on-seven while being more aggressive with the ball downfield than usual.
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley praised Bortles’ work ethic in learning Greg Olson’s offense in the summer. Bortles says he can tell he’s playing faster in his decision making. He’s also making the right decisions more than last season.
“It’s more educated now,” Bortles said. “I’m knowing the matchup and situation better. Last year, it was like, let’s chunk it. It’s definitely more of an educated guess now.”
The Jaguars could become an efficient red-zone team with Julius Thomas, Allen Robinson and tight end Marcedes Lewis in the fold. The 6-foot-5 Bortles will have multiple reliable jump-ball targets.
“We have three guys that can go catch a fade at any moment. It’s awesome to have weapons like that. They can get up and jump and make plays. It’s definitely going to be fun to do that.”
Bortles averaged 12.0 fantasy points per game, which led to a #24 finish at his position. He's a passer who could make a leap in his second season if the Jaguars can give him time to throw and he can clean up his fundamentals. The receiving corps is young but talented, with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee all capable of producing when given the opportunity. The team signed Julius Thomas to provide a dangerous weapon at tight end. Bortles averaged nearly 30 yards rushing, so he offers some baseline production as a runner. If Bortles can make a leap, the Jacksonville offense will be a lot better than expected.
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