Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles struggled vs. Falcons

Blake Bortles struggled early and often as the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 17-6.

The Jacksonville Jaguars expected a tough game against the Atlanta Falcons in the third week of preseason action. After all, this game was the dress rehearsal for Week 1 of the regular season. You can bet that the gameplan did not call for Blake Bortles to struggle early and often.

Perhaps it was bound to happen in preseason week 3 at home. Remember, about this time last year, Bortles was benched in favor of Chad Henne. Bortles was asked recently about his progress over the past year.

Phillip Heilman of Jacksonville.com quoted the quarterback:

"“It feels good to not get benched this week,” Bortles joked Wednesday. “That is a positive.”"

Bortles played in six offensive series. He completed 17 passes for 204 yards with two interceptions. He started his night and ended his night with an interception.

After Atlanta took the lead 3-0 on the first possession of the game, the Jaguars offense took the field. Bortles was flushed from the pocket and ran for four yards. Leonard Fournette added four more yards to set up third-and-2. Bortles threw a pass over the middle which was tipped and intercepted. The Jaguars defense rose to the challenge to force a punt. Bortles set up for his second possession.

Marqise Lee was injured on first down. An Atlanta penalty on the play moved the ball to the Jaguars 42-yard line. The Jaguars moved the ball to the Atlanta 29 through a good mix of running and passing. Bortles regressed on the next two downs, however.

On second-and-6, he threw the ball while falling backwards, resulting in an incomplete pass. On third down, Bortles panicked and lobbed up a pass that T.J. Yeldon had to knock down to prevent an interception. Josh Lambo missed a field goal on the following play.

On the third possession, Bortles found his groove. He led the Jaguars on a scoring drive that began on the Jaguars 2-yard line. The biggest play of the drive was a pass to Donte Moncrief covering 37 yards. Jacksonville was leading at that point, 7-3.

The fourth possession started promising with Bortles connecting with Yeldon on consecutive pass plays. The Atlanta defense stiffened as the Jaguars drive stalled. Back-to-back sacks forced the Jaguars to punt the ball.

As the second quarter was winding down, Jacksonville led 7-6 with four minutes left. Jacksonville put together a methodical drive to reach the Atlanta 6 yard line. Bortles missed a wide open D.J. Chark on third down. Bortles did not look towards Chark’s direction, but locked on his intended target. Lambo’s kick made the score 10-6 at halftime.

Jacksonville opened the third quarter on offense. Bortles guided the Jaguars down the field with three run plays and four pass plays. Jacksonville had first down on the Atlanta 17-yard line. Bortles had a receiver to his right on an out route. He had a clean pocket and was not under any pressure. Bortles just flat out threw the ball to the wrong jersey. His night was over after that.

Jacksonville needs a controlled general under center. Bortles has proved at times that he is that guy. Other times, he makes you wonder.