Bortles aims to regain starting QB job
JACKSONVILLE — Since his poor performance Thursday against Tampa Bay, Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has gone about his business avoiding sportstalk radio, cable-sports shows or reading newspapers.
Bortles has isolated himself, trying to escape hearing non-stop talk in Jacksonville that he continues to be too inconsistent and unable to make accurate throws and that a change could be forthcoming after coach Doug Marrone announced following Thursday’s 12-8 loss to the Buccaneers that the quarterback spot is an open competition. Instead of getting most of the snaps with the No. 1 offense, Bortles shared them with Chad Henne during Saturday’s practice.
The plan, according to Marrone, is to have both quarterbacks split first-team snaps during this week’s four practices. Their performances will be evaluated, and a decision will be made on who will start Thursday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Field. It’s the spot Bortles, who has started 45 straight regular-season games, is in now.
And if he continues to underperform — especially like he did against the Buccaneers, when he twice underthrew receiver Allen Robinson after he got loose downfield — it could mean a demotion to back-up duty heading into the Sept. 10 opener at Houston.
“Whether you think you are as mentally strong as you can possibly be, if you read negative stuff about yourself long enough, there’s no way to not believe it,” Bortles said before Saturday’s practice.
“I don’t watch cablesports news channels, and I got to stay off social media and all that stuff because it does nothing for you. Anything you guys say, I have no idea. I think it’s all I can do is go out there and go earn, prove and show them with each play I can do it and I can consistently do it.”
But his four drives against Tampa Bay all ended in punts. Beyond preseason games, he’s also had a problem consistently making accurate throws at practice and avoiding turnovers. Still, it never appeared Bortles’ starting job was in jeopardy until the Tampa Bay game. Marrone said the Jaguars need a quarterback who can lead, and Bortles’ production has not been good enough. He has a lackluster 71.8 passer rating after two preseason games.
“It’s just comes down to how I handle it, compartmentalize it and how I’m able to function with all that’s going on,” Bortles said.
At this point, acquiring a new quarterback to compete isn’t in the plans. Marrone said he hasn’t had any such discussions about bringing in a passer like Colin Kaepernick. Marrone added he also hasn’t talked about Bortles not being on the team in Week 1.
“I’m looking for the best person to lead our offense,” Marrone said. “I’m not saying that [Henne] has it or not. It’s right up there for grabs, and either person can take it. I’m just looking to see who can lead from that position.”
When asked about what Bortles’ strengths are, Marrone said not turning the ball over and movement skills. Yet, after reviewing Thursday’s tape, Marrone was convinced about opening the competition.