The third pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Central Florida’s Blake Bortles, made his debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. Of course, this had the Twitter world lighting up. Maybe even more so than it did for Johnny Manziel last week!
More from Jacksonville Jaguars
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
- NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?
- Trevor, start your engine: Jaguars’ temporary stadium could be NASCAR mecca
- Georgia-Florida rivalry set to move on campuses, but with a catch
So where to begin? How about at the beginning!
It seems as though Jacksonville fans are happy to see him.
Watching Blake Bortles right now is like watching your child realize his/her potential.
— P's (@Malfunctioning) September 21, 2014
So, Jacksonville's plan of a redshirt season for Blake Bortles lasted to halftime of week three. #Jaguars
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) September 21, 2014
I will release one wild animal a day until Blake Bortles starts. Today was just a start. A simple bear. Tomorrow? You don't want to know.
— zack (@zackgojags) September 9, 2014
And of course, there are still those that think he would be better off on the bench.
Blake Bortles probably thinking that his offensive line at Oviedo HS was better than this mess that the Jaguars have.
— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTV) September 14, 2014
No one should wish this on Blake Bortles.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) September 14, 2014
"Dear Football Gods; please give Blake Bortles a running back not named Toby Gerhart" - 'Murica
— Chris (@OrlandoCountySC) September 21, 2014
With all of the cautious optimism expressed by Jaguars fans, the reality is still this: Bortles came into a game that was 30-0 at halftime. Regardless of what you feel about Chad Henne, there is obviously not a lot of talent anywhere on the team. Even if Bortles plays well, the Jaguars will have a hard time upping the win total from last year.
But hey, even with a losing franchise, fans have to get what they want sometime! Even Troy Aikman and Peyton Manning had to suffer as rookies before they made it big! Will Bortles be next?
More from FanSided.com
Jared Cook shoves Austin Davis
Drew Brees in ‘rage mode’
DeAngelo Hall injures Achilles
Reggie Bush TD
Geathers interception