Bortles embraces higher expectations
ST. AUGUSTINE — Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles will bring a fresh level of confidence to the West Coast this summer.
After leading the Jaguars to their first AFC South title, Bortles will continue his offseason routine of working with quarterback consultants Tom House and Adam Dedeaux in California with a new sense of conviction.
“I think from what we did last year, I think the expectations have kind of changed a little bit,” Bortles said Monday before the start of his third annual charity golf tournament at the King & Bear Golf Course in St. Augustine. “Within the locker room, they were definitely different last year, and I think they are only going to continue to change and grow and get higher.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a good challenge and it will be a good year.”
Bortles was part of a Jaguars team that relied on its defense to post a 10-6 record last season and advanced to its first AFC title game since the 1999 season.
Bortles finished his fourth NFL season with 21 touchdown passes against a career-low 13 interceptions. In three playoff games, he threw three touchdowns and did not record a turnover.
Hoping to build on that step forward, Bortles opted to keep the same offseason schedule this year. Bortles said Monday that he will leave for California in “another week or so” and get to work with House and Dedeaux.
“I’ll go out to California with those guys and get throwing and tuned up and ready to go for camp,” he said.
The Jaguars are scheduled to hold their first training camp practice July 26.