Sean McVay impressed by Blake Bortles ...

[Riverumbbq]

... says he's 'only going to get better'

By: Cameron DaSilva | 23 hours ago


Sean Mannion rode the bench for the majority of his Rams tenure, appearing in only one game the last two seasons. The Rams haven’t given their backup quarterbacks much run since Jared Goff arrived, and that’ll remain the case in 2019.

Despite relying on their backup quarterback very little, the Rams made it a point to sign Blake Bortles this offseason. Bortles was released by the Jaguars and quickly scooped up by the Rams, who gave him $1 million for one year.

After the signing was made official, Sean McVay praised Bortles’ experience in big games and his ability to step in for Goff if needed. The Rams hope they don’t need Bortles to play much at all next season, but he brings value on the field and in the locker room as a veteran.

After Tuesday’s organized team activities session, McVay talked about Bortles and how he’s looked thus far.

“He’s done a good job. He’s one of those guys that when you get around and talk to him, he’s got a nice presence about him,” McVay said. “You hear him call plays in the huddle, there’s a command, there’s a certain confidence that he exudes. He’s a guy that’s played a lot of football, so I think he’s done a really good job of working with Zac Robinson, working with Shane [Waldron], getting up to speed on some of the things we’re doing offensively.”

Bortles will be the No. 2 quarterback this offseason, barring injury, and his relationship with Goff is strong. They’re friends off the field and can help each other in the quarterback room, pushing one another to be the best they can.

McVay has come away impressed in OTAs and spring workouts, and he thinks Bortles is only going to get better as time goes on.

“Blake’s come in, he’s done a really good job and I think he’s one of those guys that’s only going to get better as he continues to get more and more comfortable,” McVay added. “And like anything else, you’ve seen a lot of really good things that he’s put on tape over the course of his career in Jacksonville, and if need be, we’re confident that he’ll perform for us as well.”

For $1 million, it was going to be impossible for the Rams to find a better option at backup quarterback for that price. And for Bortles, he now gets a chance to work with McVay and potentially get a Super Bowl ring, even if it is as a backup.


https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=pos1image

 

[Jacobarch]

coach talk. What's he supposed to say? He sucks, he'll never be a starter again.

I will say this, if you look at Goff from year 1 to 2, it's obvious all he needed was a good coach behind him. Maybe that's what's been missing in Bortles NFL tenure.

 

[Flint]

How much is this really going to help Bortles? Mannion barely got a handful of snaps the last couple years, and certainly nothing that would entice teams to make him a starter.
That was Mannion’s problem, no one knew for sure how he would react in a high pressure situation. Bortles, however, has been the starter in playoff games. They wouldn’t let him throw the ball but at least he knows what it’s like.
It’s hard to change people’s perception, just ask Goff. He’s been to pro bowls, playoffs, even the super bowl and some people want to replace him.

 

[Jacobarch]

Mannion just didn't have it

 

[FrantikRam]

How much is this really going to help Bortles? Mannion barely got a handful of snaps the last couple years, and certainly nothing that would entice teams to make him a starter.
That was Mannion’s problem, no one knew for sure how he would react in a high pressure situation. Bortles, however, has been the starter in playoff games. They wouldn’t let him throw the ball but at least he knows what it’s like.
It’s hard to change people’s perception, just ask Goff. He’s been to pro bowls, playoffs, even the super bowl and some people want to replace him.

Huh?

He didn't throw much against their worst playoff opponent (Bills). But as he went, he threw more, culminating in his awesome performance against the Patriots:

23/36 293 yards 1 TD - and 0 INTs

The only reason why JAX did NOT make the Super Bowl is because they stopped allowing Bortles to throw the ball. Technically Bortles has been better than Goff in the playoffs, so when you make a comment like that followed by changing perception, it's very ironic.

 

[Flint]

The perception is that the jags were in control of the Patriots game in the first half and they had a chance to really put the screws to them by scoring before the half was over, they sat on the ball and let the half run out. Cuz they didn’t trust him not to do something game changing. Patriots adjusted in the 2nd half come back and win.
The perception is if that had been Matt Ryan or Rothlisberger they would have tried to score again cuz you can’t sit on a lead against the pats.
Sure, a lot of how a qb is perceived has to do with the scheme and coaching, again, Goff is exhibit A, but my point was if Goff still has detractors after getting to the SB, what’s going to happen to Bortles carrying a clipboard all year(hopefully)?

 

[Mackeyser]

Fan: You can’t sit on a lead with the Pats

Matt Ryan: (sobbing) Tell me about it!!!

 

[I like Rams]

I like Bortles. Hope he shows some good stuff in preseason and gets another shot at a starting position next season.

 

[Merlin]

Bortles knows he's gonna get a metric @$$ ton of snaps in preseason. Here's hoping he shows well.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Little doubt for Bortles this is sort of like a marinade step for his career.

Just being a part of the McVay offensive ecosystem seems to be a valuable feather-in-your-cap these days. Just look at the coaches that have moved on.

That said; huge win for the Rams to have such an experienced #2 QB. I’m hoping in some way the Rams appeal to Bortles long term.

 

[oldnotdead]

As I've said in another thread I like the signing. He's a clear upgrade over Mannion capable of winning a game or two in relief in this offense. If he shows well during his time here he will have trade value if it comes to that. I have a feeling Bortles will thrive under McVay. Backup QB has been a major weakness the last couple of years.

 

[dolphinlover123]

I haven’t been paying close attention this offseason so totally missed the fact that we got Blake Bortles. LOL.

 

[Ramstien]

Just look at the upgrades from this past off season; Bortles for Mannion, Weddle for Joyner, and Matthews for Barron. The Rams got a lot better right there.

 

[den-the-coach]

i really like what Blake Bortles brings to the table and his scrambling ability will aid the Rams in practicing against a QB that unlike Lieutenant Dan, has legs. Murray & Wilson twice and Newton to begin the season, so Bortles being able to run is an asset from that perspective.

Also I feel strongly if something happened to our leader, the Rams could win with Bortles and Bortles being able to run again would give the Ram offense another dimension. This was a no brainier for Bortles as even if he does not get to play during the regular season, working under McVay and getting most of the preseason Reps will increase his value in 2020, plus I'm a sucker for a Number 5 at QB!

 

[Dodgersrf]

Little doubt for Bortles this is sort of like a marinade step for his career.

Just being a part of the McVay offensive ecosystem seems to be a valuable feather-in-your-cap these days. Just look at the coaches that have moved on.

That said; huge win for the Rams to have such an experienced #2 QB. I’m hoping in some way the Rams appeal to Bortles long term.

Completely agree.
I would be very content having Bortles as our back up long term.
I still think he can play. Hes just been put in a bad spot.
I look at his career much like I do Alex Smith's. With all the coaching changes, it's tough for a qb to find a rythm.

 

[snackdaddy]

The only reason why JAX did NOT make the Super Bowl is because they stopped allowing Bortles to throw the ball. Technically Bortles has been better than Goff in the playoffs, so when you make a comment like that followed by changing perception, it's very ironic.

They stopped allowing Bortles to throw because they didn't trust him enough. Even after a good first half. There's usually a reason a coach does not trust his quarterback. Was it Bortles or his coach?

There are probably a few more teams Bortles woulda had a better chance to start. But he wanted to come to LA. Mainly because of McVay. If anyone can resurrect his career its McVay. Even if its as a backup.

As far as what I think of Bortles, I would be a little concerned if Goff went down long term. I watched that game against the Bills and he was terrible throwing the ball. Missed wide open receiver numerous times with bad throws and no pressure. I thought to myself "Wow, I see why some people are so down on him". But he was very athletic running the ball. And was much better against the Steelers and Pats.

 

[Akrasian]

As far as what I think of Bortles, I would be a little concerned if Goff went down long term.

Yeah, if the Rams Pro Bowl QB goes down for a long time, it's not likely that the backup adequately replaces him. I do think Bortles can come in for the second half of a game and be acceptable and help the Rams hold on to the win. I wouldn't have had that faith in 2018 with Mannion. So the signing hopefully will not matter, but it's a nice depth move with Jacksonville paying most of the freight.

 

[So Ram]

The perception is that the jags were in control of the Patriots game in the first half and they had a chance to really put the screws to them by scoring before the half was over, they sat on the ball and let the half run out. Cuz they didn’t trust him not to do something game changing. Patriots adjusted in the 2nd half come back and win.
The perception is if that had been Matt Ryan or Rothlisberger they would have tried to score again cuz you can’t sit on a lead against the pats.
Sure, a lot of how a qb is perceived has to do with the scheme and coaching, again, Goff is exhibit A, but my point was if Goff still has detractors after getting to the SB, what’s going to happen to Bortles carrying a clipboard all year(hopefully)?

Well the fact is he is an experienced QB that has playoff experience. Weather you want to doubt him or not ?? He took a deal to learn & have a chance to win a SuperBowl. Expectations are low so is the pressure. He gets to have fun & develop his skill set.

The preseason will be telling, because he should get a lot of work. He adds to WR group better than Mannion. It was not hard to see Mannion was not being a very dependable QB.
My believe is as McVay states.The Rams feel confident in Blake Bortles.

 

[CGI_Ram]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.c...-seen-coaching-like-im-getting-with-the-rams/

Blake Bortles: I’ve never seen coaching like I’m getting with the Rams

After five seasons in Jacksonville, Blake Bortles is now in Los Angeles as the backup quarterback for the Rams. And he says playing for Sean McVay is like nothing he experienced with the Jaguars.

Bortles told the Los Angeles Times that McVay has an impressive command of the team.

“Seeing how he coaches, how all the other coaches coach and how the guys are receptive and take it, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Bortles said.

Bortles won’t play in Los Angeles as long as Jared Goff is healthy, but he wants to play again somewhere and he thinks his time with McVay is going to make him a better quarterback in the future.

“I also expect to be a starter in this league again, and I know it’s not going to be here in L.A. So I’m trying to just better myself,” Bortles said. “And if I get an opportunity to play, great. If not, then I spent a year learning from McVay, and being around a really good organization.”

Whether Bortles ever becomes a starter again remains to be seen, but it’s easy to believe that a year playing for McVay could teach him things about playing the quarterback position that he never learned in Jacksonville.

 

[den-the-coach]

Blake Bortles, meshing well with Rams, hopes to be a starting quarterback again someday

Blake Bortles, a former NFL starter, is at peace with being the backup quarterback for Jared Goff with the Rams. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

Two seasons ago, quarterback Blake Bortles played in the AFC championship game, falling one victory shy of leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Super Bowl.

For his effort, and his projected future, Bortles received a contract extension that included $26.5 million in guarantees.

Fewer than 18 months later, Bortles is no longer an NFL starter. He’s the backup for Ramsquarterback Jared Goff.

And, apparently, Bortles is enjoying the experience.

It’s been awesome,” he said last week.

Bortles, 27, and the Rams consider his time in Los Angeles a temporary assignment.

After the Jaguars signed quarterback Nick Foles in March, Bortles was released and in need of a landing spot. The Jaguars reportedly still owed him $6.5 million for 2019, so Bortles signed a one-year, $1-million contract with the Rams to learn at the elbow of coach Sean McVay.

Barring injury or a major step backward in performance by Goff, Bortles will spend the 2019 season as a reserve. He fully expects an opportunity to compete for a starting job with another team in 2020.

In the meantime, he is soaking up the Rams’ offense and culture during organized team activities, which continue Monday.

McVay, Bortles said, has exceeded expectations.

“Seeing how he coaches, how all the other coaches coach and how the guys are receptive and take it, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Bortles said.

McVay likes what he has seen of the 6-foot-5, 236-pound Bortles, the third pick in the 2014 draft.

In five seasons with the Jaguars, Bortles was 24-49 as a starter during the regular season. He passed for 103 touchdowns, with 75 interceptions.

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His best statistical season came in 2015, when he passed for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns for a team that finished 5-11.

Two years ago, Bortles passed for 21 touchdowns, with 13 interceptions, and led the Jaguars to a 10-6 record and playoff victories over the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 293 yards and touchdown in a 24-20 conference championship game defeat by the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

But after receiving the contract extension, Bortles struggled for much of last season. He was benched after a late-November loss to the Bills, a defeat that extended a losing streak to seven games.

Now he has a fresh start with the Rams.

Bortles’ experience is evident in his command of the huddle and in his confidence, McVay said. He has proven that he can make elite plays.

“You’ve seen a lot of really good things that he’s put on tape over the course of his career in Jacksonville,” McVay said. “And, if need be, we’re confident he’ll perform well for us as well.”

Goff, preparing for his fourth NFL season, and Bortles share the same representation firm, so they have known each other and have been friends for a few years.

That eased the acceptance of a new personality into the quarterbacks meeting room.

“I’m excited to have him in the room with me,” Goff said at the start of offseason workouts.

The existing relationship enables Bortles and Goff to share ideas and provide honest feedback in a position group that also includes Brandon Allen and John Wolford.

“There’s no ‘Should I say this? Should I not say this?’ ” Bortles said. “We’re both pretty free talking with each other.”

The Rams are coming off consecutive NFC West titles and a trip to the Super Bowl. They are regarded among the NFC favorites to make another Super Bowl run.

With McVay is expected to again hold out starters during preseason games and Bortles will probably have the opportunity to show what he can do in the Rams system before the opener against the Carolina Panthers. But Bortles has accepted that there is no chance to challenge for a starting role with the Rams. And he is at peace with it.

“It’s a weird thing to kind of balance in your head,” he said. “I have a role. I’m here to back Jared and do whatever I can to help him out. And if I get an opportunity, I’ve got to make sure we don’t miss a beat offensively and we continue to roll.

“And at the same time, I also expect to be a starter in this league again, and I know it’s not going to be here in L.A.

“So I’m trying to just better myself. ... And if I get an opportunity to play, great. If not, then I spent a year learning from McVay, and being around a really good organization.”

[www.latimes.com]