Blake Bortles impresses teammates in first start for Jacksonville Jaguars

By Cory Buck | Sep 29, 2014

Sep 28, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws the ball during first quarter action against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

For a little while anyways, it appeared that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles was going to keep up with one of the best in the league. He showed poise and accuracy early on against the San Diego Chargers, orchestrating two touchdown drives in the second quarter, even giving the Jags a brief lead early on. Philip Rivers got to work and Bortles faltered as the Jags fell once again, but that didn’t stop Jaguars coaches and teammates from heaping praise on the rookie.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars

“I was excited for how he competed and the decisions he made,” GM Dave Caldwell said, per the Florida Times-Union. “What we liked about him was his ability to keep plays alive and make off-schedule plays. Regardless of experience or inexperience, those are things you really can’t teach.”

Bortles threw a pair of interceptions in the game, which left a bad taste in his mouth.

“I didn’t play very well. I did some stupid things,” the rookie quarterback said.

Still, teammates are taking notice and given his age, it’s safe to say Bortles has more touchdown drives in him.

“[Bortles] has a savvy about him to make big plays,” wide receiver Allen Robinson noted. “Just his ability to make plays when nothing’s there. I don’t think there’s any such thing as a dead play with him.”

More from Fansided.com

NFL power rankings: Cowboys rise; Top 3 unchanged entering Week 5
NFL coach challenges could include personal fouls by 2015 season
Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears make NFL history with no punts
Antonio Brown makes NFL history vs. Buccaneers
Blake Bortles gives Jaguars lead with impressive passes (Video)

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars