Bortles impressive again as Jags fall to Falcons in preseason finale

Blake Bortles earns first start of his NFL career

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Blake Bortles earned his first start of his NFL career but the Jaguars fell to the Falcons 24-14 in the preseason finale at EverBank Field.

"We felt like we wanted him to go through what it feels like to start," coach Gus Bradley said. "Just adding to his body of work."

Chad Henne suited up for the Jags but he did not play as the team prepares for the season opener against the Eagles on Sept. 7.

Bortles was impressive once again, completing four-of-six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Bortles found Marqise Lee for a 57-yard TD on the opening play of the second quarter.

"It's a good opportunity, a good chance to go out there and improve on things and try to get better," Bortles said of his first start.

The fourth preseason game serves as one final chance for the players fighting for a roster spot. NFL teams have until Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. to reduce their rosters to 53 players. New league rules allow teams to keep 10 players on their practice squads, up from eight players a year ago.

"We're going to have to make some tough decisions. I do have genuine appreciation for their efforts," Bradley said. "They gave us all they've got. We have some tough decisions ahead of it."


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