Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles managed only three wins in 2016. It was a particularly terrible season for the quarterback, who significantly regressed after setting career-highs in passing yards and touchdowns the previous year.
Bortles has taken a lot of heat as a result.
Blake Bortles says last season is hard to put into words.
— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) May 23, 2017
Even though it’s been brutal, the 25 year-old quarterback is not giving up and is embracing the negativity.
Bortles says he isn't bothered by the negativity because he earned it. Still believes he can play at a high level.
— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) May 23, 2017
Bortles’ numbers dropped from 4,428 passing yards to 3,905 in 2016. His touchdown production tanked as well — 23 last year compared to 35 the previous season. Unfortunately, he also threw 16 interceptions along the way, many of them being exceptionally ugly.
The team’s last place finish mirrored that of Bortles’ rookie year in 2014. Despite his struggles, he had his fifth-year option picked up by the Jaguars. But it was a bit reluctant on their part considering they were still pondering the decision in late April.
At least Bortles is trying to shrug off the negativity and knows he must improve. His career unfortunately has not blossomed as well as that of Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, chosen 33 picks behind Bortles in 2014.
Another last place finish in the AFC South this year would spell trouble for Bortles’ future, especially considering the considerable talent the Jags have brought in of late.