The Facts: Bortles has the unenviable task of not only rebuilding his throwing mechanics this offseason, but also convincing those around him that it will be worth the wait. In a session with reporters in Jacksonville on Wednesday, Bortles was a little more straightforward with his message. "This is my job, my passion," Bortles said, via Jaguars.com. "I'm going to exhaust every resource I have to make this thing work."
Diehards Line:
He added: "Guys are sick and tired of being below average. ..." As NFL.com suggests, to believe in the Jaguars this season is really to believe in Bortles, who can point to an age-23 season in 2015 when he threw 35 touchdowns and 18 interceptions en route to a 5-11 record as the main reason for hope. During that season, Bortles' touchdown percentage more than doubled his rookie year total. The development of receivers like Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson formed the bedrock of an offense that could one day produce a playoff berth. Last season did not do that belief any favors, as Bortles regressed alongside one of the least effective running games in the league. The rushing attack could improve with Leonard Fournette on board. And if his mechanics are in back in line, that will also be a big deal for Bortles. Whatever the case, Bortles' performances during minicamp and training camp should provide a fascinating window into the eventual outcome.