The Jacksonville Jaguars took a tremendous step forward in the 2017 season putting together their first playoff appearance in a decade.

It was a campaign that the Jaguars implemented a new offensive scheme that was a big part of the team making strides toward becoming a potential title contender. According to George Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel, quarterback Blake Bortles stated that he has a clearer understanding of the offensive game plane.

“When we started last year, it was kind of an elementary level, in terms of ‘I’m hearing the play, I’m thinking about the footwork I have to take, the identification, trying to remember what routes guys are running and all that.’ Now, I think I’m kind of owning the offense and having a better understanding of it. Obviously, it is a continuous study and a continuous grind to continue to master it and stay on top of it, but I definitely feel more comfortable with it.”

It wasn't a standout season by any means from Bortles, but he was able to show that he was a viable quarterback. He did struggle at times, but he had shown the ability to move the offense down the field with the help of standout rookie running back Leonard Fournette.

The Jaguars have a shown some great confidence in his ability on the field as the team inked the 26-year-old to a three-year, $54 million deal that runs through the 2020 season. The organization has a strong level of faith that Bortles can lead the franchise to a great amount of success behind his steady play under center in hopes that he can take some strides forward in his progression as a quarterback.

With a full season under his belt in the new offense and the offseason to get more comfortable could help him push through with a strong 2018 campaign while helping guide the Jaguars back to the playoffs.