Blake Bortles will start in Eagles vs. Jaguars but he’ll be on a short leash

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that Blake Bortles WILL be their starting quarterback for their Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles in London this Sunday.

Bortles’ starting job was in question following the Jaguars’ decision to bench him in favor of Cody Kessler during Jacksonville’s Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans.

The Jaguars have really struggled in their last three games. They’re averaging 9.3 points scored during that stretch. Bortles has completed just 54.6% of his attempts for 640 yards (6.46 average), two touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 60.2 passer rating. He’s also fumbled three times.

Although Bortles will be starting, NFL insider Adam Schefter reports he’s going to have a “short leash.” Schefter also notes the Jaguars will be splitting up first-team reps between Bortles and Kessler.

Kessler looked slightly more competent than Bortles when he was thrust into action against Houston. The 2016 third-round pick completed 70% of his passes against for 156 yards (5.2 average), one touchdown, one interception, and a 79.3 passer rating.

It goes without saying that the Eagles really need to take advantage of this Jaguars team that’s in disarray. Philadelphia can advance to 4-4 by winning in London. Losing to the Jags would be very embarrassing, especially given the quarterback disparity between Carson Wentz and Bortles/Kessler.