Jaguars quarterback controversy after second preseason game

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a quarterback competition – otherwise known as a QB controversy.

Blake Bortles has struggled and now has engineered one scoring drive (3 points) in six series in two games during the preseason.

Action News Jax told you before the game on Thursday night, Chad Henne would get some time with the first team and that happened in the second and third quarters.

The Jaguars fell to Tampa Bay 12-8. The Jags open the season on Sept. 10 against division rival Houston.

Bye, bye Bortles? Jaguars open up quarterback competition

“I met with both quarterbacks afterwards,” said Jags head coach Doug Marrone. “I told them what I’m looking for is, I’m looking for someone who is going to lead this offense.

"I’m not happy with the performance today.  I’m not going to sit here and b.s. anyone.  Everyone saw it out there.  Whatever you want to call it, I’m still trying to evaluate who the best person is at that position.”

Bortles knows his play has been inconsistent and that has allowed the door to open for a possible change.

“I don’t think anything changes from my mindset,” said Bortles after the game Thursday night.  “It’s my job to earn the respect and trust of those guys as well as the coaching staff and that’s (what) I’m on a mission to do.”

Henne had two passes dropped in the end zone and later had a third pass dropped by his receiver.

The 32 -year-old has been in Bortles' position before and now has a chance to reclaim a starting position in the NFL.

“My job is just to keep doing what I’m doing in practice,” said Henne.  “Really we need more leadership from Blake and I. We have to step it up, both of us, and get things going and play more at a high level.”

Brandon Allen is the third-string quarterback, and the second-year player out of Arkansas is a long shot to win the job, but he played well in the fourth quarter on Thursday.

The Jags will play their third preseason game next Thursday at home against the Carolina Panthers.

Cox Media Group