Blake Bortles

Blake Bortles needs to stop turnovers to retain Jaguars' starting job

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles must avoid turnovers to maintain his starting job, executive vice president Tom Coughlin emphasized.

What It Means:

Bortles committed 22 turnovers last year -- 16 interceptions and six lost fumbles. The 16 picks were actually a career low. "Taking care of the football is paramount to that position," said Coughlin. "There can be no way the ball is turned over to that extent." Coughlin added he believes improved pass protection and "components around him" will give Bortles a better shot at success, hence the Jaguars' trade for left tackle Branden Albert.

Bortles had the 10th-worst Passing Net Expected Points per drop back this season among the 39 quarterbacks with at least 100 drop backs. As a team, the Jaguars ranked 24th in the NFL in schedule-adjusted Offensive Net Expected Points per play.