How will he be able to get to that level of improvement?  Acquisitions, Development, and Draft. 


We had less wins last year, but we also had a better point differential than the year before.  That was in spite of back to back trouncing by the Dolts and Deadskins.  We scored two more points than the year before (not a good improvement, but given the youth we had, acceptable) and let our opponents score 37 less points last year (Major improvement)


Five Things that should work in Gus's favor toward getting improvement in the W/L column

 

#5. TJ Yeldon

It's no secret that our running game was anemic last year.  Part of that was due to the O-line.  In the past ten years, thirteen running backs have managed to rush for 1000 yards in their rookie season.  Runningbacks can come into the game, and make an immediate impact.  Yeldon was draft in the second round, so that should be the expectation for him.  If Yeldon can impact our running game we should see more first downs, which should in turn lead to better performance by our offense, as well as more chances.

#4. More Experienced Receivers

Last year our receivers were rookies.  Inexperienced.  Hurns, Lee, Robinson.  They were all rookies, and were three of our top four receivers.  Shorts was our most experienced receiver, and while he's gone now, he only played thirteen games last year.  In fact only Hurns played all 16.  These guys now have experience, and shouldn't be making the common rookie mistakes.  Added to this is Julius Thomas, a receiving Tight End which is a major upgrade from Lewis (who is more suited to blocking)

#3. Improved Tackling

Another topic said it best:  We were the worst at broken tackles last year.  While part of that is on our offense, part of it is still on the defense.  Our tackling should improve this year through player acquisitions as well as development.  If we can stop them sooner, that means our defense will be on the field less and our opponents will be less likely to score.

#2. Improved O-Line

We gave up 71 sacks last year.  71!  That's almost as many sacks as David Carr had in his rookie year.  It's more sacks than Peyton Manning had in his first three years combined.  Our o-line gets an upgrade with Wisnewski at Center, and hopefully Parnell at RT.  If Joeckel develops, and Cann eventually starts, our o-line could become a strength instead of a weakness.  It also gets an upgrade with help from O-line coach Marone, who has head coaching experience.  This will give Bortles more time to throw, and Yeldon and Shoelace more time to run.  This will significantly help our team score more, and keep the ball out of our opponents hands.

#1. Blake Bortles Development

Bortles was never meant to start last year, but he took his licks and has started to adjust to the speed of the NFL.  Bortles should be better than last year, how much better is the question.  He's the key to everything.  If Bortles develops nicely, our team should see major improvement.  Especially if our O-line also improves, and gives him more time to make his reads.  He can cut out on interceptions, and throw for many more yards.  He was meant to develop, and now he should be starting to develop into what should be our top offensive weapon.  He'll have a better supporting cast to help him on top of it all.

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