I see Bortles starting a game this season under three scenarios, and much of it depends on the first two quarters of the season.

 

1.  If Chad Henne struggles during the first half of the season, then perhaps after the bye week.  Looking at the first 8 games of the season, there are not any "definite wins" or "should wins" , but there are a number of "could wins" there.  One that is important and stands out is week 3 against the Colts.  Opening home game for us and the Colts will be without their best pass rusher.  This gives us a small advantage that moves that game into the "could win" category.  If we are less than .500 at that point, then it might be time to consider starting him maybe after the bye.  .500 or better, especially if we win the two divisional games in the first half of the season, keep him on the bench.  One thing to note is week 6 which is when we play the Titans and the Texans play the Colts.  That week could very well shape the division which is important in my scenario 2.

 

2.  If by the bye week or the end of the third quarter of the season the playoffs are out of reach.  A lot will depend on division standing as well as how the rest of the AFC looks.  What is interesting is 3 out of the 4 games in the fourth quarter of the season are divisional games for us.  Divisional standings are going to be more of a key to a playoff run for us than maybe a wild card spot.  If we are in the top two spots of the division, and have at least a .500 record at that point, I would keep him on the bench.

 

3.  The final scenario, and one that I don't want to see is if Henne gets injured.

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