Quote:Fair enough. It's been tough to argue Bortles cause from a statistical standpoint against Mariota, Derek Carr or Bridgewater. We'll see how the season goes with respect to the stats. I'm talking more about what I see in them as I watch with my eyes. Blake can stand in pocket and elude pressure while showing the ability to make virtually any throw. He looks more like a classic qb than any of the above, and I do believe he's got what it takes to be this team's long-term franchise qb capable of winning the big game. What I see in Mariota is impressive as far as pure production so far, but at the same time would scare me as a fan. Those darts he throws remind me of several qbs who never quite worked out in the NFL, and his game against the Browns actually did remind me of Blaine Gabbert.

 

But when did Gabbert ever have a rough looking day yet still throw for 250 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks?  

 

Since I was the one who started the comparison I should probably rephrase my statement that Mariota's first two games were as good as Bortles best two.  I said that before the Jags game yesterday where Bortles played his best game as a pro but a wide margin.  I still stand by the fact that as of 4pm yesterday, Mariota's first two games were as good as Bortles best two.  

 

Maybe people still dont like his potential but so far the production is hard to ignore.  

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