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Jaguars' Khan: 'We're counting on' Bortles to bounce back in 2017

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan entered the 2016 season on the heels of a seemingly impressive free-agent haul with clear expectations of returning to the postseason.

Less than a year later, he has reverted to tempering his outlook.

Khan knows his quarterback needs to have a successful season for his team to also do so, but after quarterback Blake Bortles notched 12 less touchdowns in 2016 than he did the year before, the owner isn't relying on the pass-thrower to improve all on his own.

"That's what we're counting on," Khan said when asked if he expects Bortles to bounce back next season, according to Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Tribune. "That's our hope and it’s not just our dream. And then it's, 'How do we make it happen?' (Offensive coordinator) Nate (Hackett) is somebody who was a quarterback coach and has been an offensive coordinator.

"Blake has to organize himself and there is only so much we can do under the collective bargaining agreement. There is a lot of stuff Blake controls. We want to do everything to make Blake successful."

Khan didn't specifically comment on the Jaguars' plans for free agency, but after reportedly agreeing to send disappointing tight end Julius Thomas out the door and pick up veteran left tackle Branden Albert, Jacksonville is expected to pursue Super Bowl-winning tight end Martellus Bennett.

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