Quote:On the pass it looks to me like there are two defenders in position to jump the routes unless he threw it short so the receiver would have to come back for the ball. In that case, it would be a minimal gain and just used up clock.

 

You have to take snap shots with a grain of salt. Appear to be open is exactly what the bengals want Bortles to see.

 

That doesn't excuse his poor "throw out of bounds" ball, but I can't fault him for avoiding the two underneath routes.

 

I agree with this. But -  I watched the slow-mo several times before making the post though, and based on what I saw from the defenders, the underneath pass would have resulted in at least six yards if it was thrown remotely well.  I don't believe they were tight enough to jump the route.  That could have been the concern after his prior picks in similar situations however. 

 

Sure - it chews clock and perhaps an OB throw is even better, but I'l take 6 yards underneath and burning 20 seconds over the pick every day. 

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