Jacksonville Jaguars: Failed O-Line Ventures Will Sink Blake Bortles

Blake Bortles was put on notice by Tom Coughlin and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Either win this year or expect to be replaced come 2018.

That may seem harsh, but it’s also fair. Bortles was drafted in 2014. In that time he’s thrown 51 interceptions, completed just 58% of his passes and posted a record of 11-34. That last part is the main reason he’s on the hot seat. If you don’t win in the NFL, you don’t start in the NFL. Problem is that while this is standard procedure, it also doesn’t excuse the Jaguars themselves in this. They, after all, are almost equally responsible for his looming failure as well.

Their biggest blunder up to this point has been a series of misguided decisions along the offensive line. Priority one after drafting a potential franchise quarterback should be getting him adequate blocking. Jacksonville has failed at this repeatedly. Luke Joeckel, their former 1st round pick was a bust and is now in Seattle. Big free agent guard addition Zane Beadles was gone after two years. Pricey center Stefen Wisniewski was out after one.

Now it’s gotten even worse after their ugly trade for Branden Albert.

Albert exits puts pressure squarely on Cam Robinson

Understand that Blake Bortles was sacked 140 times in his first three seasons including over 50 times in each of the first two. That’s way too much. Albert being a veteran was hoped he could stabilize things. Then he up and retires. This puts pressure squarely on the shoulders of rookie Cam Robinson. He is now the most qualified to fill that left tackle spot, something he may not be quite ready for.

Either way it underscores Bortles’ situation. The expectations to win haven’t changed, but neither has his protection. It doesn’t seem any better than a year ago. Maybe Leonard Fournette can balance it out with the running game, but how much is the question. Suffice to say Jacksonville hasn’t done their QB many favors up to this point.