Quote:He has some serious zip on the ball, and his throwing motion is rather fast...  I can see that...  But Marino didn't have the scrambling ability that Bortles has...  But I don't think Bortles has the pocket mobility Marino had...  At least not yet.  Marino could evade a sack but just hoping left/right/forward/back like none other.

I don't think anyone could accuse Marino of having pocket mobility.  Awareness?  Yes.  The guy had a sixth sense and knew when to slide up in the pocket, but as far as mobility goes, I think the Jaguar statue in front of EverBank has about as much. 

 

Bortles will develop the pocket presence with time.  I think it's really encouraging that he's not a guy who is going to get happy feet when he senses pressure.  I also believe he prefers throwing to running.  They kept comparing him to Roethlisberger last night, and even showed a particular pass play where Ben rolled left and threw against the grain for a TD.  It was identical to a play they showed of Bortles from UCF right before that.

 

I think it's interesting that we've gone from a practice wonder in Gabbert who folded like a cheap tent in game situations to a guy who is more likely to be mediocre in practices, but when the lights go on, he flips a switch.  The wobbly passes that have been a norm during practices somehow disappear in game situations.  The guy is putting zip on the passes, and spinning the ball like the best of them.  He may not be quite ready yet, but it's going to be difficult for this team to keep him out of the lineup.  I think they'll continue to bring him along, but I think the point of being ready is probably sooner rather than later this year. 

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