Somewhere around week 5 of the 2015 NFL season, a change occurred. Suddenly, the Jacksonville Jaguars, long the laughingstock of the league, weren't a joke anymore. Their offense, led by second-year quarterback Blake Bortles, was taking off in a major way. And while the team stumbled down the stretch and ultimately missed the playoffs thanks in large part to a defense that couldn't keep pace with Bortles and Co., there is now real, tangible reason for optimism in Jacksonville after years of expected failure and empty hope.
And despite the phenomenal play of Bortles, who was one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the NFL last season, and his chemistry with the Jags' talented young wide receiver corps, led by the Allen's - Robinson and Hurns - the Jaguars signal-caller actually thinks that the team's passing offense can take yet another step forward in 2016.
"All of the receivers have been in our locker room at some point this offseason," Bortles said. "It's been cool to see them work together and talk through some stuff as well. The chemistry is continuing to grow, not only on the field, but off the field as well -- in the weight room and in the locker room. That builds trust. It's a special room of receivers that are all super talented."
Under first-year offensive coordinator Greg Olson, Bortles tossed a Jaguars franchise-record 35 touchdowns last season, with 24 of them going to Robinson and Hurns. Bortles finished the season tied for second in the league in touchdown passes and 10th in passing yards.
Of course, Bortles and the Allen's managed all of this production despite a run game that left much to be desired. Relying mostly on rookie TJ Yeldon, Denard Robinson and veteran Jonas Gray, the Jaguars averaged just 92.1 yards per game on the ground, the 27th-best total in the league. They also scored a measly five touchdowns rushing, which was tied for the second-worst in the NFL.
To combat this imbalance, Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell went out and added running back Chris Ivory and tackle Kelvin Beachum in free agency.
And while Bortles' increased chemistry with Robinson and Hurns will be important for the Jacksonville passing game in 2016, it may actually be a more balanced offensive approach that allows the Jaguars to score with consistency and keep their still-in-process defense off the field.
