The Blake Bortles era in Jacksonville is coming to a close as Doug Marrone announced yesterday that Cody Kessler will be starting against the Colts on Sunday. It appears that this is the beginning of the end for Blake’s time as a starter for the Jaguars. But where should he sign? I’d like to analyze the most logical place for Blake.
The Problems
Before I go all in on my love of Blake, let’s start with his contract. He has another two years left on his contract and is owed $16 million next year, then $18 million in 2020. After that, he is a free agent. That’s two years down the line, and a lot could happen between then. However, with Tom Brady wanting to play into his mid-40s, this could work out. In addition to this, while taking team friendly deals “inspired by Brady,” with the Jaguars, he could ask for more money on the open market, which some team would be willing to give him in a quarterback hungry league.
As Dion Lewis pointed out after the Titans win over the Patriots, Bill the GM is “cheap,” and it is unlikely he would pay a quarterback as inconsistent as Bortles a lot of money. The final issue that could throw a wrench in this plan is he fact that Blake Bortles has been a starter since week 4 of his rookie year, up to now. There is the possibility he would be unwilling to be demoted to a backup role under Brady. Now, with those issues out of the way, let’s get into this match made in heaven.
Why it makes sense for Blake
Blake Bortles helped lead the Jaguars to the AFC championship last year, and showed flashes of his potential. This year, he has thrown for 2,572 yards, coupled with 13 TDs and 10 interceptions. Not ideal, especially with Jacksonville sitting at 3-8. He has been dogged by the doubters of his skill his whole career. So with that being said which coach is regarded as the savior of careers?
None other than Bill Belichick. He took a sixth round pick (a special one, but still a sixth rounder) and built a dynasty. He made a Kent State QB into a 1000 yard receiver. Bill also picked up a little player named Randy Moss, who then proceeded to go 16-0 while securing the TD receptions record. If Blake goes to New England, he could learn from Brady and become the next great quarterback. With that being said, does New England need Blake?
Why it makes sense for the Pats
No, New England doesn’t need Blake, but they should want him. New England is trotting out a 41 year old Tom Brady, with a 33 year old Brian Hoyer as his backup. They picked up Danny Etling in the 7th round of the draft out of LSU, but he is on the practice squad for a reason. Blake Bortles is 26 and was also a top 5 pick at quarterback out of the perennial powerhouse that is the UCF Knights.
Bortles is a sneaky athletic option at quarterback, which would be welcomed after having a statue at QB for the last 25 years (Drew Bledsoe to Brady, neither are very mobile.) At UCF Bortles did show the ability to throw passes deep and throw the ball with some power. His two biggest knocks were his decision making and mechanics (according to his pre-draft report), which can be fixed with the right coaching. If Blake Bortles can grasp the playbook and improve his decision making, he has the tools to flourish in this system.
What the outcome could be
If Tom Brady retires at 45, Blake Bortles would have 2 years under Brady’s mentor-ship, during which Blake could work on his decision making and mechanics. As a player who works meticulously on his mechanics every off season and is regarded as one of the more intelligent quarterbacks, along with his work ethic, Brady is the perfect candidate to help Blake. Under his guidance, along with Belichick’s, I could be an NFL quarterback (not a very good one, but still.) I’m 5’6, 170 pounds, while Blake Bortles is 6’5, 231 pounds. He is a much better physical specimen, and could tear up the league. If Blake Bortles is smart, and I believe he is, then all he would have to do is sign with New England and start watching as the accolades roll in.
