Quote:You nailed this analysis.

 

We agree he is less than elite.  Where in the spectrum of ability do you think he is?  I'd say definitely good.

 

Where do you think he needs to improve to reach elite status?

 

I think cutting down on INTs, making quicker decisions/getting rid of the ball more quickly are the areas he needs to improve upon.  I think much of that is still a function of youth/experience.

 

I think the team around him needs to be better also to help get him to elite status.  The skill positions are fine.  But the line needs to be better at run blocking, especially in short yardage, we need a C that can master the shotgun snap, and we need better pass protection.

 

If those things happen, he'll be a top 5 QB in the league before too long.

INTs is the obvious thing...

but it is less about the INTs themselves and when they happen.

 

I've said it for awhile now... when you're down 21 points early and are forced to throw it a lot, INTs will happen...

but when the game is close (within one score) and we're about to go up, or tie.. those are the INTs that he needs to cut out. Which is decision making. That next step will take Blake further than his mechanics work did I think.

 

He holds the ball too long when given time and far too often he isn't given nearly enough time.

I'm not sure what he can do in an offseason to get better in this area but I think this past season has given him new motivation much like last offseason was "work on mechanics" I think he'll watch a lot of tape and work with his guys to get timing and such down even better.

 

I think he can be top 5 QB next season. 

Elite? Well that is a status you earn and carry over seasons... he's probably 3-4 years away from being able to take that kind of title.

VERY few QBs are truly elite.

 

I wouldn't consider Dalton elite.

Or even Cam Newton, despite their recent successes.

 

Brady and Manning are the only ones that a clearly elite. They've made less with more, they've turned scrubs into superstars (who then turned back into scrubs elsewhere). They've done it with defense, no defense, lots of scoring, etc....

 

Rodgers was well on his way (and many lumped him in already) as an elite QB...

but after this season... can anyone say he truly is?

Take away his best weapon and the D that once helped win a SB is just so-so....and destroy his Oline like anyone elses.... and he becomes... well... average.

 

Elite status is for the Brady's Manning's, Elways and Montanas....

 

Asking Bortles to become that may be too much to ask.

Asking Bortles to become Dalton, Newton, Wilson... I think we would all take those results...

---