Quote:Proud to have that kid on our team man. Next year in 2016 we'll have two first round picks to look at and enjoy next off-season. He's not even twenty one yet. Plenty of time to heal and get back into the thick of things. Just rest up, sink your head into that play-book and watch and learn from the veterans this year. That's all he can do. As mentioned by numerous folks on here though. This team wins on offense. It all revolves around Bortles this season.

 

I agree completely with everything you said....just want to address this closing point.

 

It SHOULDN'T be solely on Bortles' shoulders this season.

 

Yes, as the most important position on the team, the QB will often determine a team's fortunes.  But the supporting players can help in that regard.

 

Many have said nobody expected Fowler to notch double digit sacks this year.

 

But you don't need to notch double digit sacks to have an impact on the defense.

 

If Fowler notched 7-8 sacks, but changed the momentum with those sacks in three of those games...he had an impact.

 

If his pressure could have stopped a drive, keep the defense off the field another 3-4 minutes per quarter/half, shorten the field for the offense, it would have taken a lot of pressure off of Bortles.

 

I think Bortles playing not HAVING to score every drive plays better than Bortles would play HAVING to score every drive.

 

Bortles playing not having to score every drive...not playing from behind...has the option of handing off the ball to Yeldon to keep opposing defenses honest.  He has the option of using play action to draw defenses in, allowing Thomas to exploit underneath coverage and guys like Lee to get behind the safeties.

 

Yes, the development of Bortles and the rest of the offense will be the largest determining factor in the team's improved fortunes this year.  But the defense can help in that regard, and the defense with Fowler could have helped more.

 

I just hope Fowler can get back to where he was pre-injury by next year.

---