Blake Bortles reflection
By: Jake Rajala
The enormous quarterback Blake Bortles (who reminds me of Big Ben) was once selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2014 NFL Draft. Bortles didn’t shine as a rookie, a sophomore, or as a junior. Finally, in 2017, he led his squad to a 10-6 record. Furthermore, he helped the Jags reach the AFC Championship in 2017-2018. Of course, the Jags were also known as “Sacksonville”, as they had many superb pass rushers. The New England Patriots knocked off the Jags by a score of 24-20 in the pre-Super Bowl contest. If it wasn’t for Tom Brady, the Jags could have won the Super Bowl.
The ultimate question surrounding Bortles is: Why did he fall?
I don’t honestly believe he was ever a quality starting QB. Just as Brock Osweiler and Tim Tebow competed in playoff games, it doesn’t mean they were talented QBs. The Jags were wise to move on from Bortles and grab Gardner Minshew, and then Trevor Lawrence.
Sure, Bortles threw for 35 passing TDs in a single season. Well, in that same season, he threw for a league leading 18 interceptions.
So, did Bortles ever revive his career?
Not quite.
He played his last downs in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams. He only had 2 passing attempts. He also had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, but he didn’t touch the field.
Bortles announced his retirement in 2022. He stated that he hasn’t touched a football since January.
I would like to see Bortles give another crack at it. He’s 33 years old, so he has a couple of years in “QB years” until he can’t throw a quality deep throw anymore. It may be wise for the Jags to reunite with Bortles. I don’t imagine that Bortles will reach the AFC Championship with another team again, but he could be an admirable backup QB.
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