An NFL quarterback gets a lot of credit when things are going good. They also get a lot of grief when things go bad.

Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles hasn’t had a lot go well during his tenure as the Jaguars starter. And it hasn’t gotten better this preseason.

Bortles consistent inconsistencies have reared its ugly head throughout training camp, including joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. The interceptions have continued and so has his accuracy issues.

The fourth-year starter was yanked from Sunday’s practice after he threw two picks and was replaced by back-up Chad Henne.

”There are some throws that I’ll think, ‘Hey, that’s a good throw,’ and then I’ll be like, ‘That’s a horse----throw,’ ” head coach Doug Marrone told the Florida Times-Union.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Thursday, 8 p.m.

EverBank Field, Jacksonville

TV: ESPN

 

Jags officials are hoping Bortles works out more of the kinks against the Bucs Thursday night. He played sparingly in their first preseason game against New England, going 3-of-5 for 16 yards. He’s expected to get more snaps against Tampa Bay.

All eyes will be on Bucs third-year quarterback Jameis Winston too. Winston and the Bucs offense moved the ball well in their preseason opener against Cincinnati. They just didn’t finish off the drives.

Tampa Bay settled two battles in the first preseason game – the backup quarterback position and kicker. Ryan Griffin and Ryan Fitzpatrick were battling to backup Winston. Fitzpatrick is in and Griffin is out after he sustained a shoulder injury against the Bengals.

And the Bucs needed just one preseason game to determine their kicker. Former second-round pick Roberto Aguayo was cut after missing an extra point and a field goal against Cincinnati. Nick Folk nailed a 45 yarder in the first preseason game and will get to show off his leg again against Jacksonville.

Tampa Bay defense has some battles to be sorted out, specifically in the secondary. With cornerback Brent Grimes sidelined with a leg injury, others will get additional snaps to showcase their talents.

On paper, Jacksonville's defense looks good. Anything would be better than the past five seasons where the Jags defense ranked 25th or worse in points allowed.

There were several skirmishes between Bucs and Jags players during their joint workouts. With jobs on the line, in a game atmosphere, expect that there will be a level of chippiness throughout.