Blake Bortles Will Struggle in 1st Career Start vs. Confident Chargers Defense

The foundation is finally in place for the Jacksonville Jaguars with Blake Bortles at quarterback. However, that bright future will not begin in Week 4 against the San Diego Chargers.

Bortles replaced Chad Henne in Jacksonville’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts and threw for 223 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also cleared up any concern that Bortles would possibly lose his grip on the quarterback job moving forward:

After all, you don’t hand over the reins of a struggling football team to the quarterback of the future just to take them right back if he has a poor performance or two. The Chargers know exactly what that means for Sunday's game, as cornerback Brandon Flowers told Tom Krasovic of UTSanDiego.com:

"

It’s like a new season for them with a new quarterback here. They have new life. It’s almost like their record is 0-0 right now because they’ve got a new leader.

He can make all of the throws. He can scramble. He can get out of pressure. He has all the tools.

We just can’t let him get in rhythm and let him gain any confidence. He’s a confident player. But we have to take it away.

"

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Flowers is certainly right about Bortles’ skill set and potential. He is 6’5”, has the athleticism necessary to scramble downfield or make plays when the pocket breaks down and has a strong enough arm to make almost any throw.

It is important to point out, though, that Bortles took the field down 30 points against the Colts. The defense wasn’t exactly bringing complicated schemes or blitzes late in a game that was well in hand, as the Chargers likely will Sunday. One of Bortles’ touchdown passes also came when Allen Hurns racked up 55 yards after the catch.

Bortles looked like a rookie at times, especially when he threw a pick-six that landed right in the arms of Greg Toler.

If you are looking for a major silver lining heading into Week 4, the Chargers don’t have an interception yet. Perhaps Bortles will avoid those game-changing mistakes that young quarterbacks often make, but don’t underestimate San Diego’s defense.

The Chargers beat the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in impressive fashion and then traveled across the country and handed the Buffalo Bills their first loss. We are talking about a red-hot and suddenly resurgent squad that has every reason to be confident moving forward, and facing a rookie quarterback at home should do nothing to change that.

What’s more, the Jaguars have allowed at least 34 points in every game this year. With a defense like that, Jacksonville will likely fall behind early, forcing Bortles to throw more than he would otherwise.

Rob Foldy/Getty Images

It may be good for your fantasy team if the quarterback always has to throw, but facing a defense with that knowledge is not the right formula for a victory.

Bortles won’t be the only youngster in teal Sunday. Receivers Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee are all 22 years old or younger, meaning there will be some growing pains as the inexperienced pass-catchers get accustomed to the new quarterback.

So much youth on the field is encouraging and important for the long-term future in Jacksonville, but it won’t translate to success right away against a potential playoff team on the road.

Bortles won’t even get much help from the running game. Toby Gerhart is the team’s leading rusher with 82 yards on the ground on 34 attempts (2.4 yards per carry) and has not found the end zone yet. San Diego will not have to respect the run at all, which will make life even more difficult for Bortles against a loaded secondary.

The rushing yards are a serious indictment of the Jaguars' offensive line as well. Bortles will be under severe pressure all game, which will lead to a couple of critical mistakes. 

Bortles may give Jacksonville more long-term hope than it has had since Fred Taylor was in the backfield, but that future will temporarily be put on hold against a confident and streaking Chargers defense.

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