Jacksonville Jaguars: Protect Blake Bortles, Make Playoffs

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking great, but unless they protect Bortles more up front, the playoffs will be out of reach next season. Do it and they’re in.

We’re tackling each team in the league, traveling alphabetically to debate their biggest offseason issues. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

Is it getting carried away to say I love what the Jacksonville Jaguars are becoming? Combined with the return of Andrew Luck, the Texans finding a quarterback and the growth of Marcus Mariota in Tennessee, the AFC South is the most up-and-coming division in the league. Who knew!

As for the Jaguars specifically, they have been mighty busy early on in free agency (via Spotrac). It started with signing one of the best defensive lineman on the market in Malik Jackson. They then signed Chris Ivory to complement T.J. Yeldon in the backfield. Although Ivory was an overpay, we know how much you like him as a player.

Then the Jags brought in secondary help in Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara for about two-thirds of what it cost the New York Giants to add Amukamara’s replacement, Janoris Jenkins, by himself. That latter point may speak more to the Giants’ mistake than the Jags’ success, but I love these moves for Jacksonville.

Most recently, the team added offensive line depth in Mackenzy Bernadeau and Kelvin Beachum. Beachum is a high-upside play coming off an injury, but if he is healthy, that’s a legitimate starting left tackle in the NFL.

Is there anything not to like about this roster all of a sudden? It already had the makings of a splendid young offense with Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Yeldon. I believe Jacksonville has officially reached the point where its future ceiling rests on how good Bortles actually is.

Bortles put up great fantasy football numbers last season, but it remains to be seen if he can completely translate that into winning numbers. That is really the final step. I’m just putting this out there…which complete roster would you rather have right now, the Jaguars’ or that of the Indianapolis Colts? Because I think I would take Jacksonville’s despite the discrepancy in franchise quarterback.

Dec 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) celebrates with wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Jaguars 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

DAN:

I watched the Jaguars in a few games last season and was impressed with both the team and Blake Bortles. I’m not sure if that’s more a reflection of my low expectations, or of how good Jacksonville can be. Regardless, I left thinking Bortles has what it takes to reach that upper echelon of starting quarterbacks in the NFL, that small group that is not constantly worried about losing their jobs. I also envisioned the Jaguars being good with him under center. After this Free Agency period I’m as perplexed as you. Is Jacksonville now a playoff team?

Perhaps its because Andrew Luck missed most of last season, but right now I like the Jaguars more than the Colts. Outside of the quarterback position, where Luck still holds the edge over Bortles, Jacksonville has more talent at nearly every position. The area that worries me most about the Jaguars, its offensive line, is one that also plagues Indianapolis at the moment. Jacksonville may be better than the Colts, but I’m worried about their playoff chances in the AFC. Winning their division won’t be easy over Indy and Houston, and the wildcard picture is even more of an uphill battle to win.

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The Jaguars’ offensive line allowed a whopping 51 sacks last season, only three better than the league worst of 54 sacks allowed by the Tennessee Titans. Its impossible to consistently win football games when your quarterback is on his back so often, over three times a game on average. Bortles also tossed 18 interceptions, good for sixth worst in the league and sandwiched between his division competition in Indianapolis and Tennessee. Unless the Jaguars’ front office finds some offensive line help in the draft, then their only real weakness may be their undoing.

Chris Ivory will greatly improve upon Jacksonville’s rushing attack. They were 27th in the NFL last season, averaging only 92 yards on the ground per game. That should take pressure off of Bortles and the passing game, but again it all comes down to the offensive line. With the 5th overall pick in this year’s draft the Jaguars can select one of several top-tier offensive lineman, and they’d be wise to do just that.

More nfl spin zone: 2016 NFL Mock Draft - Jaguars Surprise By Going Defense

This is a talented team on the up and up, but the AFC is full of talented teams. Ten wins was not enough to get the Jets into the playoffs last season as a wildcard, yet nine wins was enough to win the AFC South for Houston. With a strong draft I don’t think doubling their win total from a season ago is an unreasonable expectation for the Jaguars.

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