Quote:The reason I bring this up is not to suggest Bortles is as good or is going to be as good as Rodgers, but to point out something interesting to me and what I've noticed. When I was going back and watching the preseason games of the past week, I noticed that Bortles's new release looks very similar to Rodgers's. I watched them both play back to back and it's nearly identical. Bortles has refined his release to be more compact like Wilson's and Rodgers's and I love it. Also, in terms of the type of QB Blake is, a lot of people compare him to Roethlisberger and I don't really agree with it, especially now that Blake has slimmed down. They looked at his size and mobility at his size and thought of Big Ben but that's sort of a narrow way to look at it. Ben isn't as fast or agile as Blake, but he is bigger and more dexterous and able to shake off tackles and maintain his balance. Both Ben and Blake can do a little bit of what the other can do but not as well. In terms of Blake's playing style and athletic ability I'd compare him more to a taller Rodgers than anyone else especially, again, now that he is slimmed down. He has the athleticism to move around in and out of the pocket very well and is fast enough to pick up yards, but isn't a speed demon he's just a smart runner. That's also how I would describe Rodgers. In terms of combining Blake's entire combination of athletic ability, arm strength, and his new release, I'd say Rodgers's is the closest comparison in the league.

 

Again, I AM NOT SAYING BLAKE IS AS GOOD OR WILL BE AS GOOD AS RODGERS. Not trying to suggest that at all. All I'm saying is that Blake's base traits best resemble Rodgers if you were to compare those aspects to a starting QB in the league today. The thing that sets Rodgers and Bortles a part right now is the most important aspect of being a QB, and it's their mind. Rodgers dissects a defense at an elite level like all the best QBs and he makes it look easy. Bortles is not near that right now. I'd also say the second thing that separates them is Rodgers's consistent precise accuracy on his ball placement. I rarely see Rodgers not put the ball in the perfect place for his receivers. Blake has flashed that but he is not as consistent with it. I will say though, that whenever his mechanics have been right (using his entire body to throw the ball, feet aligned correctly, nice tight release) his ball placement has been pretty immaculate. It makes me think that as he continues to refine his mechanics his ball placement and accuracy will only continue to get better, similar to Rodgers. The really encouraging thing is that all those negatives come with experience. 

 

Another comparison I'd point out with Blake and Rodgers, and this is something that all of the great QBs share, is Bortles's pocket presence. We've all seen Bortles just feel pressure and step up in the pocket to avoid it without taking his eyes from down field. This pocket awareness is as important as anything in whether a QB will be any good, and Bortles has it. As he plays more it will only get better (as long as he isn't killed with sacks again). So yeah, in terms of the full package of what Bortles can do physically and with his pocket awareness, I'd say his closest comparison is Rodgers contrary to popular belief. He is not there mentally, but starting out with a skill set similar to the GOAT isn't a bad place to start. Lets see if he can take a step forward looking more comfortable running an offense and recognizing defenses this year. If Bortles's mind can catch up to his physical abilities, we will have a very good QB on our hands. Coming out of college Rodgers wasn't there either. 

 

Honestly, from everything I've seen, the only way I can see Bortles busting is if he eats 55+ sacks again this season and we can't run the ball. If our line and running game can be even average this season I will be happy because it will give Bortles a chance to develop. He didn't even have a fair shot last year at all.

Quote:Can't believe someone didn't already copy the entire original post just to respond with a 1-line comment.....

 

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