QB Chad Henne settles into backup role with Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jaguars backup quarterback Chad Henne enters this season in a different position than last year.
A year ago, Henne was still the starter and while he knew Blake Bortles was the future at quarterback, he wasn't sure when the future would officially arrive.
It turned out it only took until halftime of Week 3 before Bortles took over in a 44-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Now, as the Jaguars prepare to play their first preseason game Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Henne is firmly established as the backup, and by all accounts, comfortable in the role.
“He’s been really good,’’ head coach Gus Bradley said, via the Florida Times-Union. “I know Blake (Bortles) really leans on him and he just has a different way of looking at things and he’s a great competitor. I think he’s done very well in camp in his role and there is a lot of trust factor between those two.’’
The 30-year-old Henne, who has 53 career starts to his credit, is doing his part to make sure Bortles, the third overall pick in 2014, is successful.
“I think it’s a mutual kind of relationship,’’ Henne said. “He leans on me and I lean on him. It’s a good friendship and good camaraderie with us. We understand each other.’’
A second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2008, Henne knows his playing time will likely come to an end when the preseason is over, but said he doesn't spend time studying the other quarterback situations around the league.
“You can’t really look around,’’ he said. “I’m satisfied here. I’m very committed here to do my job and play my role here until my contract is up.’’
(h/t Florida Times-Union)
Photo credit: Richard Dole/USA TODAY Sports
