National Football League

Blake Bortles says 'I've never seen that' about disastrous kicked ball turnover

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:40 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Brett Smiley

In Jacksonville these days, if it can go wrong, it will go wrong.

The play in question happened early in the second quarter against Houston. Earlier in the game, struggling third-year Jaguars QB Blake Bortles had thrown a poor pass to tight end Julius Thomas along the sideline that the Texans turned into a pick-six. So he tried to do the smart thing when the defense had a screen pass covered by throwing the ball at running back T.J. Yeldon's feet. Only, it drilled Yeldon's ankle and bounced into the air for an easy fumble-ception by Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (watch here).

"No, I've never seen that," Bortles said, per the Houston Chronicle. "From the time you start playing quarterback, they tell you if the screen is covered to throw it at his feet. I was trying to make a smart play, live to play another down and then that happens. It was unfortunate, but stuff like that happens from time to time and you've got to deal with it and bounce back from it."

The only silver lining for the struggling passer in the eventual 24-21 loss -- a very, very small silver lining -- is that the scorekeeper ruled the play a fumble and not an interception as it appeared. Bortles said via ESPN:

"I know people are agitated and frustrated with everything -- as are we. This isn't fun for anybody. We don't want to have to do this, but I think, like Gus [Bradley] has said before, that this is something that is going to make better players out of everybody here and better people as well. Like I said, all you can do is keep your head down and keep working."

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League