Bortles shines in Jags' loss to Lions

Rookie throws for 158 yards and TD

DETROIT – Blake Bortles was impressive once again as the Jaguars rookie threw for 158 yards and a touchdown, but it was not enough as the team fell 13-12 to the Lions in Detroit.

Bortles entered the game with less than two minutes to play in the first half. He led the team to a field goal to trim the deficit to 7-6 after two quarters. In the second half, Bortles marched the Jaguars' offense down the field and capped off the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Allen Hurns.

"Gus and Dave talked about creating a stress free and anxiety free environment," Bortles said. "And that's exactly what it's been. It's the perfect situation to learn and try and progress and get better."

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Chad Henne got the start for the Jaguars. He completed 9 of his 14 passes for 71 yards despite limited help from his offensive line. But after the game, Gus Bradley stood firm in naming Henne the starter in the season opener.

The Lions' Jeremy Ross (12) returns the opening kickoff against the Jaguars in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014.

"Until they pull the trigger, that's when it will happen," Henne said. "But right now they have confidence in me. I have confidence in him and our offense and what we can do."

Reggie Bush broke an 86-yard touchdown run to give the Lions a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Jaguars return home on Thursday for the preseason finale against the Falcons. They open the regular season on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 7.