Jaguars' Westbrook: Foles is 'what we've been lacking'

Dede Westbrook believes the Jacksonville Jaguars upgraded at quarterback with the addition of Nick Foles.

The Jaguars released former No. 3 overall pick Blake Bortles in March after five seasons, just one year into his $54-million contract extension. Though Bortles had his moments in Jacksonville, Foles' success with the Philadelphia Eagles is helping him win over his teammates.

"Nothing against Blake at all. I mean, Blake is a great friend of mine," Westbrook said, according to John Reid of The Florida Times-Union. "But to be out there with Nick, a Super Bowl MVP quarterback - obviously, that's what we've been lacking. For me to go out there and pretty much showcase my skill with one of the best quarterbacks in the league is going to be a huge thing. Not only for me, but the guys around me."

Westbrook projects to be Foles' top receiver in 2019 and said they're developing a strong rapport.

"I really have high expectations not only for myself but for this team," he said. "With Nick, he makes it a lot easier. Whenever you are running routes, you're able to go into the ball and don't have to slow down to catch it in stride and go. That's a big thing. With Nick even when we miss, he's the type of person that reloads that play and does it over again to the point where he gets that timing down. You don't find many quarterback(s) like that."

After dealing with injuries in 2017, Westbrook led the Jaguars in receptions (63), yards (707), and touchdowns (five) last season.

Foles, meanwhile, took over for an injured Carson Wentz for the second straight campaign and led the Eagles to the NFC divisional round, where they lost to the New Orleans Saints.

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