(09-22-2017, 11:07 AM)FBT Wrote: I do agree that most of Bortles problems are probably between his ears.  

We saw the same thing happen with David Garrard where he had all of the tools to be a successful QB in the league, but didn't trust himself when he was reading the defenses once he dropped back.  His hesitation was a direct result of being put under a mandate to avoid making any mistakes.  What was odd about him was that he was fine in 2007 in the playoff run, but once he got that contract, I think he got too much into his own head.

I think they've drilled it into Bortles head that he needs to avoid making mistakes, and it's actually causing more harm than good to have him focus on this.  When he entered the league, he was capable and cocky enough to not worry so much about mistakes, and to just throw the ball around.  He's never going to be pinpoint accurate, and he's not always going to make good decisions, but I do agree that they need to get him loosened up by opening up the offense a bit, and putting the focus on making plays rather than avoiding mistakes.

Bortles has the ability to be an effective starter in the league, and could even find some success here if he can just get out of his own way and make the plays.  Hopefully Hackett & Co start to recognize this and take the governor off the offense.  Teams are daring them to do so.  Take advantage of it.  If he makes mistakes, so be it.  Give him the chance to succeed and let's see what happens.

Agreed, however I wonder how much of the "drilling into his head" has come from the coaches and how much has come from media/social media?  I'm sure that he sees it one way or the other.  A young kid his age certainly sees what is posted on twitter and a host of other online sites.  Heck, look at the garbage posted here.

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